Lewis Hamilton apologises after sparking sparks outrage having kept his cap on during minute's silence for Justin Wilson

• Formula One held minute's silence for IndyCar's Justin Wilson on Sunday 
• Lewis Hamilton was criticised after keeping his cap on during silence
• The F1 driver later tweeted respects ahead of Italian Grand Prix at Monza
• Wilson died two weeks ago after suffering a head injury during race
• Hamilton, who won Sunday's race, later apologised to fans

By Elliott Bretland for MailOnline

Published: 07:25 EST, 6 September 2015 | Updated: 14:25 EST, 6 September 2015

Lewis Hamilton has apologised after sparking outrage on Twitter having kept his cap on during a minute's silence in memory of IndyCar driver Justin Wilson, who died two weeks ago.

As the drivers lined up ahead of Sunday's Italian Grand Prix at Monza to respect Wilson, all but Hamilton removed their headwear with the reigning Formula One champion criticised by fans of the sport who felt he showed a lack of respect. However, he did remove his cap for the Italian national anthem. 

Hamilton then shared an image of a smiling Wilson via his Twitter page half an hour before Sunday's race along with an emotional tribute. 'Justin, before we race today know I am thinking of you,’ he said. ‘May you be resting in peace & Fly high with the Angels bro.'  

Lewis Hamilton sparked outrage on Twitter after keeping his hat on during a minute's silence for Justin Wilson

As the drivers lined up ahead of Sunday's Italian Grand Prix, all but Hamilton removed their headwear

Every driver removed his cap apart from Hamilton - the F1 driver has since been criticised on Twitter

Kimi Raikkonen (left) and Max Verstappen (right) both removed and held their caps for the silence

After the race, which Hamilton won, he apologised and said: 'Guys, I honestly hadn't realise it was a minute of silence. I was so focused & listening to my music, I thought we were taking a photo.

'I have the upmost respect & appreciation for Justin & his family. My sincere apologies.

'I was told the minute of silence would be on the grid same as it was for Jules. I was misinformed. You're (sic) comments though, love it.'  

Hamilton holds the trophy aloft after claiming victory in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on Sunday

However, many fans voiced their disappointment at Hamilton with Twitter user AnaColinaF1 tweeting: 'I'm a big fan of Lewis Hamilton but I must admit that he should have taken his cap off during the minute silence for Justin Wilson.’

Alarob69 also tweeted and said: 'Really poor not seeing Lewis Hamilton remove his cap during the minute's silence. Again highlighting his total arrogance. #F1 #skyf1 #bbcf1,' while Stephanie Parker wrote on the social media site: 'I idolise Lewis Hamilton, but why didn't he take off his cap when 19 others can #JustinWilson #f1 #teamLH'

Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen, stood next to Hamilton, was seen with his cap in his hands having removed it for the minute’s silence. All of the drivers lined up kept their sunglasses on during the tribute. 

Wilson died in hospital after suffering a head injury during a race at the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.

The father-of-two sustained the injury when he was hit in the head by a large piece of debris that broke off a car.

He was airlifted to hospital in critical condition after debris broke off Sage Karam's car when he spun into the wall during the closing laps of the penultimate race in the IndyCar Series.

Wilson, a former Formula One driver, was swarmed by the safety crew after he was struck in the head and his car veered left and directly into an interior wall at the raceway. 

IndyCar driver Justin Wilson died two weeks ago after suffering a head injury during a race in Pennsylvania

Following the news of Wilson's death, Hamilton took to Instagram and said: 'I woke up this morning feeling positive in my heart until I read the news. I am so devastated to hear of another passing of a great man & driver.

'I'd met Justin Wilson a few times growing up & he was the ultimate gentleman.

'Whilst I only knew him a little, I will miss him. We will miss him. May God rest his soul and keep his hands over his family. My thoughts are with the Wilson family.#RIPJustinWilson.' 

Lewis Hamilton posted this picture and message on Instagram after hearing the news of Wilson's death

It is not the first time this summer that Hamilton’s dress has seen him court controversy. The 30-year-old from Stevenage was turned away from the Wimbledon Royal Box, having arrived to watch the men’s singles final in July, for not meeting the dress code.

Hamilton turned up wearing a floral shirt, suede shoes and a fedora hat, while the All England Club insist anyone watching from the Royal Box must wear a jacket, tie and shoes.

Hamilton has since promised to adhere to the Wimbledon dress code on his next visit to SW19.

After Sunday's victory, the Mercedes driver now holds a 53-point advantage over Nico Rosberg in the F1’s drivers’ world championship.

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