Hamilton not distracted by 'storm' surrounding Paradise Papers leak

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton says he is not distracted by the "storm" surrounding him after being named in leaked financial documents known as the Paradise Papers, leading to allegations of tax avoidance.

Reports emerged earlier this week claiming Hamilton received a £3.3 million refund on his private jet purchase after importing it to the Isle of Man, taking some of the public focus away from his F1 title win at the end of October.

Hamilton appeared in front of the media for the first time since the Paradise Papers leak at a Petronas event in Sao Paulo on Wednesday and did not add any additional comment on the matter, stressing he remained focused on the race weekend at Interlagos.

"Obviously right now there is a bit of a storm surrounding me. There are many different stories around, but I don't have anything to add to the whole scenario that has happened," Hamilton said, as quoted by The Independent.

"It doesn't distract me from my core values, and also what I am here to do, which is to try and win the Brazilian Grand Prix for a second time in my life."

After wrapping up his fourth F1 title in Mexico two weeks ago, Hamilton said he has spent the short break before Brazil celebrating his success with family and friends on holiday, giving him a boost before the final two races of the season.

"I have just come back from an eight-day holiday with close family and friends, and had the best time ever. It was just amazing to be able to share this great experience of winning the world championship with these people who have been a part of my life," Hamilton said.

"So 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.

"I have had this huge wave of positive energy and nothing can really dent that. I carry that here, and I am solely focused on trying to win the race this weekend."