Lewis Hamilton is a man more accustomed to chequered flags than checkmates, but the three-time Formula One world champion picked a surprising favourite sport when put on the spot this week - chess.

Asked by the official F1 website which sport he would choose if he could play just one, the Mercedes driver said: "Do you know that I have recently discovered that chess is a sport.

"I love chess - but is it really a sport? If it is, I take chess."

Hamilton then made a second selection that conformed more to the F1 driver adrenaline-junky stereotype.

"And, of course, snowboarding - depending on the season."

For those wondering, Hamilton also picked the sweet potato as his favourite vegetable in the same Q&A.