Lewis Hamilton was refusing to become embroiled in the “storm” surrounding his tax situation after being named in the Paradise Papers, insisting the matter will not distract him from racing this weekend.
In the documents leaked to German media revealing the tax and financial situation of many large companies, businessmen and politicians, it was claimed the Mercedes driver was given a £3.3 million VAT refund by UK tax authorities after relocating his private plane to the Isle of Man.
Earlier this week, his representatives issued a statement claiming Hamilton had been reassured his tax dealings were “above board” with the man himself giving his first comments when talking to reporters on Thursday in Brazil.
“Obviously right now there is a bit of a storm surrounding me. There are many different stories around, but I don’t have anything to add to the whole scenario that has happened,” he told the Independent.
“It doesn’t distract me from my core values, and also what I am here to do, which is to try and win the Brazilian Grand Prix for the second time in my life.”
The news resulted in backlash towards the 32-year-old from many on social media, but Hamilton refused to let it detract from the success he has had this year, securing a fourth F1 title at the last race in Mexico.
“I have just come back from an eight-day holiday with close family and friends, and had the best time ever,” he said. “It was just amazing to be able to share this great experience of winning the world championship with these people who have been a part of my life.
“So I come here with this greatest feeling, amazing energy, and want to absorb that positive energy and try to shine my light as bright as I can here in Brazil.
“I have had this huge wave of positive energy and nothing can really dent that. I carry that here, and I am solely focused on trying to win the race this weekend.”
