Hamilton: 'I was misled by manager'

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Hamilton was excluded from the classification for last weekend's race after it was determined that he and the team's sporting director, Dave Ryan, had deliberately misled stewards in their investigation into an incident towards the end of the race.

Ryan has been suspended by the team and Hamilton, the reigning world champion, claimed: "I was instructed and misled by the team manager to withhold information and that's what I did."

Hamilton still faces the possibility of further sanctions from the FIA, which could include suspension or disqualification from the championship.

"I sincerely apologise to the stewards for wasting their time but really, I'm very sorry for the situation and for my team and for Dave, because he's been a good member of the team for many years and I don't think that it was his intention. He's a good guy," he added.

"When I went into the meeting, I had no intention (to lie). I just wanted to tell my story and see what happened. I was misled and that's just how it went.

"I would like to say a big sorry to all my fans who have believed in me and supported me through the years. They watched me for what I am the last two years - that's who I am.

"I am not a liar. I'm not a dishonest person. I'm a team player and every time I've been informed to do something, I've done it.

"This time I realise that it's a huge mistake and I'm learning from it.

"I apologise for not speaking to you (the media) on Thursday but it's a lot to take in and a lot to deal with it so I'm here to apologise to everyone."