Lewis Hamilton plans to race at the Brazilian Grand Prix despite suffering fever and being involved in a minor car crash this week.
The newly-crowned triple world champion made "very light contact" with a stationary vehicle in Monaco on Monday but said no-one was hurt. Hamilton has also revealed he was suffering from a fever, which forced him to delay his flight to Sao Paulo by a day and meant he missed a sponsors' event.
His absence at that event fuelled reports in some quarters he would not be racing this weekend. However, Hamilton has used his Instagram account to clear up what happened and confirmed he is travelling to Interlagos.
"I am feeling better and I'm currently boarding the plane to Brazil," Hamilton wrote. "I've not been well with a fever but I also had a road accident in Monaco on Monday night. Whilst ultimately, it is nobody's business, there are people knowing my position that will try to take advantage of the situation and make a quick buck. No problem.
"Nobody was hurt, which is the most important thing. But the car was obviously damaged and I made very light contact with a stationary vehicle. I am informing you because I feel we all must take responsibility for our actions. Mistakes happen to us all but what's important is that we learn from them and grow. Can't wait for the weekend Brazil."
Speaking in Brazil on Thursday, Hamilton was not willing to talk about the accident, but confirmed he was feeling better after his illness earlier in the week.
"I feel good. I'm on an up slope, so a lot closer to 100%."
He explained that he had felt rundown after a long period of work following the Mexican Grand Prix.
"I'd gone to Mexico on the Wednesday and we worked all day Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and then I had my mum's party and that killed me! That was pretty amazing but I really felt it on Sunday and Monday."