Lewis Hamilton denies criticising Michael Schumacher

Lewis Hamilton has denied reports that he criticised former Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher.

German newspaper Kolner Express had previously claimed that Hamilton criticised Schumacher's tactics on the way to winning seven world championships.

"Please do not believe all that you read," Hamilton said on Instagram.

"I would never wish to disrespect him nor his family and I hold them in the highest regard.

"He was and is the greatest of our time and I am hugely proud and grateful to have met him and spent even the littlest time with. He was always kind to me."

To all the Michael Schumacher fans, I want you to know how big a fan and admirer of Michaels I am. I grew up watching him from the early days through to his 7th title. He was and is the greatest of our time and I am hugely proud and grateful to have met him and spent even the littlest time with. He was always kind to me. One day at his last race, I managed to find the courage to go see him and ask if he would honour me by swapping helmets in which he so graciously did. Please do not believe all that you read. I would never wish to disrespect him nor his family and I hold them in the highest regard. I keep him in my prayers as a fellow driver wishing for his recovery. Best wishes to you. Lewis #Legend #respect #godbless

A photo posted by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton) on Nov 6, 2015 at 12:39pm PST

Schumacher is currently recovering from severe head injuries sustained in a skiing accident two years ago.