Hamilton hit with 'hoon' fine

Lewis Hamilton has been fine A$500 for driving infringements in Melbourne during the Australian Grand Prix weekend.

The McLaren driver was caught by police performing burnouts outside the paddock at the wheel of his Mercedes, which was impounded by police as a result.

Hamilton apologised for his behaviour, which he referred to as over-exuberant driving, but was charged with driving offences and the matter put before the courts.

Due to his preparations for this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix at Spa, Hamilton didn't appear in court with lawyer Sandip Mukerjea revealing that the Briton had sent two letters to the court to explain his absence.

While Hamilton escaped a conviction, he was handed a fine and told by magistrate Clive Alsop that he should set a good example to youngsters with his behaviour.

"This is about somebody in a responsible position behaving like a hoon," he said.