Hamilton hit with fine for reckless driving

Lewis Hamilton has been fined £288 for performing boy racer stunts ahead of the 2009 Australian Grand Prix.

 The McLaren driver was caught by police on Friday, 26 March executing a burnout as he left the Albert Park track in a borrowed Mercedes two days before the race.

Hamilton, 25, did not appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday to hear his punishment, as he is preparing for this weekend’s Belgian GP.

But the British ace sent a letter apologising for a “momentary lapse of judgement” and pleaded guilty, through his lawyer, to the charge of improper use of a vehicle.

“I made a mistake in Melbourne, which I sincerely regret,” the letter stated.

“I recognise that I should not have driven in the manner I did.

“I fully understand, appreciate and support the fact that enforcement of road traffic rules is a vital aspect of road safety.”

Magistrate Clive Alsop accepted Hamilton’s request not to record a conviction but hit the 2008 F1 champion with the maximum fine for the offence.