Lewis Hamilton apologises after car impounded by police

Lewis Hamilton has apologised after his Mercedes road car was impounded by Melbourne police on Thursday evening.

The 25-year-old, who set the fastest time in Friday's Australian Grand Prix practice, is expected to be charged with improper use of a vehicle.

McLaren's 2008 Formula 1 world champion admitted: "I was driving in an over-exuberant manner and, as a result, was stopped by the police.

"What I did was silly, and I want to apologise for it."

The news broke hours after Hamilton recorded the quickest time in Friday's second practice session.

His time of one minute, 26.801 seconds, was 0.25 seconds quicker than McLaren team-mate and current world champion Jenson Button.

Police constable Scott Woodford said Hamilton's rear wheels were skidding as he accelerated out of Albert Park, where Sunday's race is being staged.

"Given that Melbourne's on the world stage with a lot of interstate and international visitors, we would expect drivers to observe road rules," he said.

A Victoria police spokesman added: "The vehicle was seen to deliberately lose traction and was intercepted by police.

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