Lewis Hamilton has been criticised after apparently shaming his nephew for wearing a princess dress. The Formula One driver posted a video on Instagram where he told his 5.7 million followers that he is “so sad” about his nephew’s choice of attire.

He is believed to have swiftly deleted the video after receiving a barrage of criticism for using his platform to dictate gender norms and "publicly humiliate" a child.

Hamilton later issued an apology on social media, saying he had "meant no harm".

Speaking into the camera, Hamilton says "I'm so sad right now, look at my nephew”.

He then turns the camera round to show a young boy wearing a pink gown and holding a fluffy wand.

"Why are you wearing a princess dress? Is this what you got for Christmas?" he asks the child, who nods and giggles. “Why did you ask for a princess dress for Christmas?”

Finally, raising his voice, Hamilton says: “Boys don't wear princess dresses!" and the video comes to an end.

Critics took to social media to condemn the racing star’s video, with some even calling for him to be stripped of his MBE, which he collected in 2009 after winning the World Championship.

Lisa Kelly, a transgender and LGBT activist wrote on Twitter: “Lewis Hamilton, shame on you! your nephew does not deserve to be publicly humiliated by you or anyone else.”