Lewis Hamilton has denied reports that he criticised former Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher.

German newspaper Kolner Express had previously claimed that Hamilton criticised Schumacher's tactics on the way to winning seven world championships.

"Please do not believe all that you read," Hamilton said on Instagram.

"I would never wish to disrespect him nor his family and I hold them in the highest regard.

"He was and is the greatest of our time and I am hugely proud and grateful to have met him and spent even the littlest time with. He was always kind to me."

Schumacher is currently recovering from severe head injuries sustained in a skiing accident two years ago.