Motorsport: Hamilton steers away from Melbourne police

Formula One bad boy Lewis Hamilton is looking forward to visiting Australia for the Melbourne season opener, but plans to steer clear of police and race officials.

While Down Under last year the McLaren driver faced a criminal driving offence and had his borrowed, performance-enhanced Mercedes street car impounded by police after doing a burnout outside the entrance to Albert Park raceway.

In 2009 Hamilton was found guilty of deliberately misleading stewards at the Australian Grand Prix and his team were handed a three-round ban.

Despite his colourful past visits, the 26 year old says he's positive about returning Down Under and for his chances on the circuit.

"I don't go back there having any regrets," Hamilton told British newspaper The Guardian.

"I have had a couple of interesting experiences that will hopefully steer me clear of any other incidents in the future.

"I go back with the plan not to be in the stewards' office and not to be met by any of the police.

"But I feel really positive. I love going there, it is a great trip. It is a fantastic place and when the weather is great the circuit is fantastic too."

Ahead of Sunday's season opener, Hamilton took the opportunity for a swipe at the Red Bull team of Australian driver Mark Webber, dismissing it as a "drinks company".

Hamilton voiced his determination that Red Bull would not dominate the coming season.

"They (Red Bull) have not been there as long as our teams," Hamilton said of McLaren and Ferrari in an interview published on Tuesday.

"Red Bull are not a manufacturer, they are a drinks company. It's a drinks company versus McLaren/Ferrari history."

McLaren has endured pre-season testing delays of its new car, but Hamilton has promised "dramatic changes" for Sunday's race.

In a interview with Webber also published on Tuesday, the Australian told The Guardian he's "ready to have another bloody good crack" at the 2011 championship title.

- AAP