Lewis Hamilton clears Instagram account

F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has taken the decision to clear all the posts from his Instagram account, in the wake of the controversy surrounding a video he posted on the account last week which forced him to issue an apology.

In the video Hamilton, who has nearly six million followers, was seen approaching his nephew and quizzing him on the outfit he was wearing.

He was heard saying: "I'm so sad right now. Look at my nephew," before turning the camera to the young boy who is wearing a blue and pink princess dress while holding around a pink furry wand.

Hamilton continued: ''Why are you wearing a princess dress? Is this what you got for Christmas?'' When his nephew says yes, Hamilton replies: ''Why did you ask for a princess dress for Christmas?'', before shouting: ''Boys don't wear princess dresses!'' The boy then covers his ears with his hands and runs away.

Hamilton faced a barrage of criticism in the wake of the post, with many users questioning his attitude, prompting the Brit to issue a full apology via Twitter to counteract the situation.

''Yesterday I was playing around with my nephew and realised that my words were inappropriate so I removed the post. I meant no harm and did not mean to offend anyone at all. I love that my nephew feels free to express himself as we all should.

''My deepest apologies for my behaviour as I realise it is really not acceptable for anyone, no matter where you are from, to marginalise or stereotype anyone. 'I have always been in support of anyone living their life exactly how they wish and I hope I can be forgiven for this lapse in judgement.'

The Tweets have now also been deleted.