The Briton, who clinched his third world title in the United States Grand Prix last month, had to cancel a press conference he had for Wednesday as he was advised by doctors to fly a day later than scheduled.

A Mercedes spokesman, however, rubbished reports in Brazil that the Briton would not be racing this weekend.

"It's a misunderstanding," the spokesman told Motorsport.com.

"He's arriving a day later than scheduled as he was told not to fly yesterday by doctors as he was unwell.

"So we had to cancel a press conference scheduled today. But he will be with us tomorrow."