Bernie Ecclestone has told reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton to stop "moaning".

Although the Mercedes driver has been generally more cheerful in 2016, the Formula 1 supremo was apparently referring to Hamilton saying that recent stewards' decisions remind him of an "asshole" karting official in his past.

"I told him to get on with it because there are 17 races left," Ecclestone told The Times.

"It is not the end of the world. He wasn't moaning when he was winning, was he? Lewis has to learn."

"He is still going to win this world championship. I absolutely believe that."

Hamilton is currently second in the championship, 43 points behind teammate Nico Rosberg.