Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has apologised after sharing a video on Instagram of him chastising his nephew for wearing a princess dress.

With the video having been taken down, Hamilton made his apology in a series of messages posted on Twitter on Boxing Day.

Yesterday I was playing around with my nephew and realised that my words were inappropriate so I removed the post. I meant no harm and did not mean to offend anyone at all. I love that my nephew feels free to express himself as we all should.

— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) December 26, 2017

My deepest apologies for my behaviour as I realise it is really not acceptable for anyone, no matter where you are from, to marginalise or stereotype anyone.

— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) December 26, 2017

I have always been in support of anyone living their life exactly how they wish and I hope I can be forgiven for this lapse in judgement.

— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) December 26, 2017

In the video, Hamilton tells his 5.7 million followers: "I'm so sad right now. Look at my nephew."

The camera then moves to a young boy wearing a blue and pink princess dress and waving around a pink heart-shaped furry wand.

Hamilton asks the small child: "Why are you wearing a princess dress? Is this what you got for Christmas?"

When his nephew says yes, Hamilton replies: "Why did you ask for a princess dress for Christmas?"
He then shouts at the boy: "Boys don't wear princess dresses!"

The youngster covers his ears with his hands and turns away.

The video drew criticism on social media, with performance artist Travis Alabanza tweeting: "I hope Lewis Hamilton properly thinks and apologises to his nephew for that video.

"Thinks about why it is so horrible, and considers donating to a charity which supports LGBT youth. That video is a video so many of us have experienced. Gross. It sticks with you."