Lewis Hamilton has spoken out for the first time about rumours that he is dating Rihanna.

The 30-year-old Formula 1 star was pictured dancing with the 27-year-old singer at the Crop Over festival in Barbados last month, sparking speculation they were an item.

But Lewis told E! news: “You know, I’ve known Ri for a long time. We’ve been friends for a while. We get to hang out every now and again…”

Lewis split from Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, 37, in February this year, after they dated on and off since 2007.

Rihanna has also been linked to French footballer Karim Benzema over the summer.