A defiant Lewis Hamilton once again used his phone during the Formula One drivers' news conference, this time ahead of the United States Grand Prix.

Defending world champion Hamilton courted controversy for taking photos during the same event ahead of the previous race in Suzuka, responding to criticism of his antics by stating it was not meant to be "disrespectful".

After the opening questions in Austin were answered, the Brit turned and passed his phone back to Romain Grosjean, who then took a photo of him alongside Sebastian Vettel and Nico Hulkenberg.

Asked why he was persisting with such acts after coming under fire a fortnight ago, Hamilton simply responded: "I took a picture, I waited for everyone to finish their questions and answer. It was a good picture and you're all in it."

The 31-year-old explained his actions in Suzuka by suggesting the format of the conference needed to be updated, with fans and not journalists asking the questions.

One reporter followed Hamilton's wishes by posing him with a question from Twitter user @BigOrangePaul, who wanted to know if he had thought about when he would retire or take a sabbatical and how he would feel if Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg beat him to the title.

Hamilton responded: "Thanks @BigOrangePaul – I don't plan on taking sabbatical, if I stop, I stop.

"[If Rosberg wins I will] try to take it like a man, you can't win them all. Look at all those who have won and lost in the past, it's part of the game.

"But I am still in a position where there are lots of points available so I will give it everything I can. Anything is possible.

"But once it's decided I'll move on, all I can do is shape the future which is next year. Life moves on and next season hopefully I will come back stronger."

Hamilton trails Rosberg by 33 points in the drivers' standings, with four races remaining.