Lewis Hamilton has explained why he didn't join his fellow Formula 1 competitors after they shared a group picture to show their support for Ukraine.
The 18 drivers posed with a Ukrainian flag and banner saying 'no war' in the middle of a the racing track, as Russia's invasion of the country rages on.
However, the picture was two short of the full driver quota with Hamilton's absence and the recent sacking of Russian racer Nikita Mazepin by American team Haas.
Many were quick to notice that the seven-time world champion was missing from the snap, raising questions over his non-attendance, the Mirror reports.
However, Hamilton has now revealed why he isn’t present in the photo via a social media post online.
Taking to his Instagram story, the Englishman uploaded the photo of his fellow drivers with the caption: “Great to see our sport coming together in this way.
“Sorry to have missed it, my flight was delayed. #racingunited #standwithukraine”
Hamilton then went on to share a later post, raising awareness of an online fundraiser to his 27 million Instagram followers that is raising funds for the Ukrainian cause.
He wrote: “I’m supporting the efforts of @disastersemergencycommittee. If you want to contribute here’s more info.
“The Disasters Emergency Committee is an umbrella group of the UK’s 15 leading aid charities, with local partners in Ukraine and bordering countries.
“They are directing funds towards providing food + water, first aid, shelter and hygiene to those who need it most.
“They’re focused on training people to provide aid, support firefighters, repair vital infrastructures and more.”
Hamilton is back on the track this week to test out his new Mercedes car for the upcoming 2022 campaign.
The seven-time world champion will no doubt be looking to put the 2021 season behind him, after he was agonisingly denied a record eighth title on the very final lap of the year in Abu Dhabi last December.
Hamilton - and his fellow F1 drivers - will return for the start of another campaign a week on Sunday, when the season opener kicks off at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
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