Hamilton, 25, was stopped in Melbourne for allegedly "deliberately losing traction" of the vehicle. Hours earlier Hamilton clocked the fastest time in practice sessions ahead of Sunday's Australian Grand Prix.Hamilton was pulled over while driving a Mercedes C63 close to the Albert Park circuit. Reports in Australia said the 2008 Formula 1 world champion was seen "doing a burnout and fishtail".

A spokesman for Victoria Police said: "A 25-year-old man who resides in Switzerland will be charged on summons in relation to improper use of a vehicle."

Hamilton released a statement through McLaren, for whom he drives in the Formula 1 championship, apologising for his actions.

"I was driving in an over-exuberant manner and, as a result, was stopped by the police," he said.

"What I did was silly, and I want to apologise for it."

Hamilton is likely to face a fine if he is found to have committed an offence.