Lewis Hamilton Tweets Reaction to Nicole Scherzinger Engagement Reports

Lewis Hamilton has denied claims he proposed to girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger, ending rumours with a simple tweet.

The British Formula One driver was the subject of fierce speculation over the weekend, reported by John Drayton of the Daily Mail, but he called an end to reports by revealing he is yet to pop the question:

Hamilton's start to the 2014 season began with a disappointing third-lap retirement during the Australian Grand Prix, forced to watch on as team-mate Nico Rosberg took the opening victory of the campaign.

Supposedly upping the heat away from the track, Hamilton is said to have responded with a blunt, "No, I'm not," when asked if he was getting married, per Ann Lee of the Metro. Lee also alleges that Scherzinger has turned Hamilton's proposal down on three occasions.

Dominik Lemanski of the Daily Star reported quotes attributed to "a pal of the F1 star," who suggests Hamilton's denial goes against the truth:

Lewis is doing his best to keep the news ­under wraps but he is ­absolutely delighted. He got down on one knee and Nicole finally accepted. The plan is they are going to live together in Switzerland and travel together when Lewis is racing.

[...] It is the ideal plan for both of them and will hopefully lead to a big summer ­wedding in August when Lewis has a three-week break from his F1 ­schedule.

Hamilton's tweet should end the focus on his relationship for now, allowing the 29-year-old to concentrate on the season ahead. His retirement at Melbourne's Albert Park is a frustrating start to the year, especially when Rosberg's performance proved Mercedes have the credentials to snatch Sebastian Vettel's crown.

The current champion's fifth-lap retirement and testing problems will have given the entire grid hope of major change at the top, none more so than Hamilton, who will be itching to repeat his championship win from 2008.

Jenson Button was the last British winner in 2009, and unlike Hamilton, he did get engaged recently. The 34-year-old is preparing his commitment to girlfriend Jessica Michibata, reported by Phil Duncan of the Daily Mail, as he bids to overcome a frustrating 2013 season with McLaren.

Button was promoted to third during the post-match review in Australia after Daniel Ricciardo's disqualification, per Byron Young of the Mirror. Although denied a podium finish, he will be pleased with a useful start to the campaign.

Both British drivers have the opportunity to push for this season's plaudits. For Hamilton, intense speculation toward his personal life threatens to frustrate, so it's a smart move for the driver to clarify the situation as it currently stands.

He can look forward to an exciting future that has the prospect to be laden with success, both on and off the track.