Lewis Hamilton taken ill in China

Lewis Hamilton was taken ill at the Shanghai circuit on Thursday, just three days before the Chinese Grand Prix, forcing him to miss media engagements.

The Mercedes driver, a popular figure with the crowds in Shanghai, particularly with female supporters, returned early to his hotel in the city.

He is reported to have suffered a slight allergic reaction and was expected to see a doctor, although his appearance for the first practice on Friday is not thought to be in doubt.

The Briton is in his debut season for Mercedes after ending his long association with McLaren at the end of the last campaign.