Lewis Hamilton was withdrawn by Mercedes from Wednesday’s press conference for the Monaco Grand Prix.
The 34-year-old had been due to appear on stage in Monte Carlo alongside Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
However, following the death of Mercedes’ non-executive chairman Niki Lauda, the Englishman was told by Formula One's governing body, the FIA, that he did not need to attend.
A Mercedes spokesperson said: “
We have asked for Lewis to be excused in the circumstances following yesterday’s news. The FIA have kindly agreed on a dispensation.”