Nico Rosberg and Formula 1 have insisted that the former World Champion has not received a two-race ban, following reports to the contrary earlier this week.

Several stories emerged claiming that the 2016 Formula 1 champion had been banned by Liberty Media for giving his lifetime grid pass to his photographer in China.

All World Champions receive a lifetime grid pass, allowing them inside access not available to most, but Rosberg was alleged to have been punished for the misuse of this.

Rosberg was not present in his punditry role for either the British or German channels he works for during the race in Azerbaijan, fuelling the rumours that he had been banned for both Sunday’s contest and Spain on May 12.

However, Formula 1 have denied any allegations of a ban, stating that he is due to receive his pass back when he next attends a race.

“Funny to see how fake news can spread so quickly,” stated the F1 Media Twitter account.

“Nico Rosberg misused his pass in China, apologised immediately and will get his pass back at the next race he’s set to come to – Monaco. No ban!”

Rosberg also offered clarity to the situation, saying: “At the last minute, I wanted to give a friend the opportunity to go to the grid so I gave him my pass,” per Planet F1.

The 33-year-old’s assistant Georg Nolte, also rejected any claim that Rosberg had received a ban.

“It’s not true,” Nolte insisted.

“There was a brief discussion in China with the F1 accreditation officer and that was the end of it.”

Nolte also confirmed on his Twitter that Rosberg’s next punditry appearance would be Monaco on May 26, which was planned before the season, as opposed to any sort of ban.