Freshly crowned Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has claimed that he will not be attending the Sports Personality of the Year event, despite being one of the favourites to win it.

Mercedes driver Hamilton, who claimed his fifth F1 world crown at the Mexican grand prix, said that it is unlikely that he will be at the event.

Why? Well according to the Brit, he finds such big public events difficult.

When asked if he would make an appearance at this year's ceremony, Hamilton said: "It is most unlikely," per The Mirror.

"It is awkward for me. Even when I am at the team factory, and in front of all the staff, it is not a comfortable place for me.

“It is that time of year where the season is over for me. If I can get away, I am gone.

“Receiving an award in front of all those people is not really something I like. I avoid it if I can.”

Hamilton has won the award once before, in 2014, where he took his bulldog Roscoe with him for company.

The event this year will be changing its traditional format and will not announce the short-listed contenders until the start of the show.

Other contenders are anticipated to be England and Spurs striker Harry Kane, who finished as top scorer at the recent World Cup, and Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas.

As well as his lack of enjoyment of public events, Hamilton has made his feelings known about plans for a 25-race F1 season.

“I am not going to be here if it gets to 25 races, that’s for sure,” he told the Guardian.

“It already feels like we are on race 25 this year, so I don’t think that’s a good thing. I think 18 was probably the best back in the day.

“I’m someone who really loves racing but the season is long. It’s a lot of commitment for all of us and a lot of time away from families, and the seasons are getting longer and the off time is getting shorter.

“All I can do is speak is for myself. The turnaround is so short, you start preparing for your next season often as soon as the season is done. Getting your mind turned. That’s very difficult. Then you have to find a way of switching off and recovering at the same time.”

With five world championships under his belt, at the age of 33, few would argue that Hamilton deserves a little time off and, if he desires, a little time away from the spotlight.