What was one of the most 'distressing experiences' of Hamilton's career?

Lewis Hamilton is one of the most famous and successful Formula One drivers of all time and with that comes a busy schedule, but how does his calendar affect his relationship with his fans? He describes one incident as particularly affecting.

In the modern era, drivers are expected to carry out a number of commitments in the Grand Prix weekend including a variety of technical meetings and media interviews, which doesn't leave a lot of time to interact with F1 fans.

“I always try to make time for them because from past experiences I know how important it is to make time for others," Hamilton said.

The Brit admits it got "harder and harder" to spend as much time as he would like taking pictures and giving autographs with fans, and details one occasion at the Australian Grand Prix when he had so many commitments he simply did not know how to balance it all.

I didn’t know how to judge it,” he continued.

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"I didn’t have to time to do autographs at the exit gate, where everyone was waiting outside the paddock, and I just walked on, and I kept walking. It was not a good feeling ignoring the fans, doing the one thing I promised I would never do.

“That was one of the single most distressing experiences I have ever had and it played on my mind all night."

Hamilton concluded that meeting the fans and making their day was the most important thing for him.

“Making people happy is what makes me happy."