Lewis Hamilton has insisted that his 'core values' remain intact as he responded for the first time to allegations of tax avoidance, following reports that he received a £3.3 million VAT refund on his private jet. The Mercedes driver, speaking after arriving in Sao Paulo for the Brazilian Grand Prix, acknowledged a 'storm' surrounding him but said it does not distract him from his goal of winning the race.
The Paradise Papers documents, published by the BBC earlier this week, revealed that Hamilton was granted the refund after importing his £16.5 million jet into the Isle of Man in 2013. A spokesman for the 32-year-old has stated that the deal was 'above board' and is now being handled by his lawyers.
Hamilton, who secured his fourth world championship in Mexico last month, surpassing Sir Jackie Stewart as the most successful British driver in history, said he is focused solely on the upcoming race. '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,' he added.
Despite having already clinched the title, Hamilton emphasised his determination to win the remaining two races of the season. 'The championship is done, but there are still two races to go and it is important to win those two races to solidify what I have worked on this year,' he said. 'I want to continue to raise the bar.'
