Mercedes Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton has insisted that he was not being "disrespectful" when he used mobile app Snapchat during Thursday's press conference.
The three-time world champion seemed distracted when he and his fellow drivers faced the media ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.
Hamilton took videos and pictures of himself and his competitors while they were fielding questions from reporters.
Following the controversy, Hamilton tweeted: "Today was meant to be fun, not at all disrespectful. Some people take themselves to seriously. I had a blast, highlight of my day!
"Re press conference, it's been the same for 10 years. It's not the media or mediator, it's the format. Fans should be asking the questions!!"
Hamilton dropped 23 points behind Championship leader and teammate Nico Rosberg after being forced to retire from last week's Malaysian Grand Prix.
