Grand Prix star charged over driving antics

Hamilton apologised at the time (GETTY IMAGES)

Lewis Hamilton has been charged over a boy racer stunt he allegedly performed on a public road in Australia.

The Formula 1 star, 25, was stopped by police who spotted him doing a "burnout" and "fishtail" in front of fans two days before the Melbourne Grand Prix in March.

His silver Mercedes sports saloon was impounded after he was pulled over close to the Albert Park circuit.

Hertfordshire-born Hamilton, who now lives in Switzerland, had a summons served on his solicitor on Monday, Victoria Police said.

He was charged with intentionally losing control of a vehicle.

A court hearing has been set for August 24 but it is not clear if Hamilton will attend as he is due to race in the Belgian Grand Prix three days later.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said: "A 25-year-old Swiss resident had a summons served on his solicitor on Monday, May 17 2010.

At the time, the 2008 Formula 1 world champion released a statement through his driving team McLaren, apologising for his actions.

"I was driving in an over-exuberant manner and, as a result, was stopped by the police," he said.

"What I did was silly, and I want to apologise for it."