World champion Lewis Hamilton has admitted a week and a half of partying contributed to his car crash in Monaco earlier this week.
Hamilton arrived late at Interlagos after a hectic start to the week, which included "light contact" with a stationary vehicle and a fever which forced him to pull out of a Mercedes sponsor event. According to the Press Association, the crash occurred at 3.30am on Tuesday morning while Hamilton was driving his £1.6million Pagani Zonda supercar.
Hamilton, who wrapped up the title at the U.S. Grand Prix, put the crash down to his lifestyle since the last race in Mexico.
"It was a result of heavy partying and not much rest for a week and a half," Hamilton told British newspapers when asked about the crash and his overall health. "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."
A spokesperson for Monaco's Palais de Justice said: "Mr Hamilton's foot slipped on the brake and clutch pedals and his vehicle struck three parked cars. He was tested for alcohol but the result was negative."
The English driver's personal life has gained headlines this season, though he successfully wrapped up this year's championship with three races to spare. Despite arriving late Hamilton says he never considered not driving this weekend.
"I never considered not coming. I have never ever not considered coming to a race."