Lewis Hamilton: 'Heavy partying' after F1 title led to car crash

Via a message on Instagram on Wednesday Hamilton admitted to "very light contact with a stationary vehicle" in his shunt in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Monaco in his Pagani Zonda supercar.

In a statement, Monaco's Palais de Justice has since confirmed the accident occurred as Hamilton's "foot slipped on the brake and clutch pedals and his vehicle struck three parked cars".

The statement also confirmed Hamilton "was tested for alcohol but the result was negative".

The incident resulted in the 30-year-old missing a sponsor's event in Brazil on Wednesday, and he described it as a result of the lifestyle he had led since clinching a third F1 title in the United States last month.

A hectic schedule followed by a surprise 60th birthday party for his mum Carmen last Saturday ultimately took its toll.

Speaking to British newspapers, Hamilton revealed: "It [the crash] was a result of heavy partying and not much rest for a week and a half.

"I don't feel as bad as I look, but I honestly feel a lot better.

"I am a bit run down. I have been non-stop and trying to fit training in at the same time and not getting a lot of sleep.

'The last two days I have slept pretty much all day. I couldn't believe how much I slept.

"I slept on the flight here. I usually sleep four or five hours but when you are training you need more than that.

"I am generally a really energetic person, but that week after Mexico and the party we drank a lot and I was really feeling it."

Hamilton, who is also an FIA Action for Road Safety ambassador, underlined that the possibility of not racing this weekend at Interlagos had never crossed his mind.

"I never considered not coming," said Hamilton.

"I have never ever not considered coming to a race throughout my whole life. In 22 years, I have never not been at a race."