It seems riding to victory in yesterday’s Russian Grand Prix wasn’t exciting enough for Stevenage’s Lewis Hamilton.

The Comet: Lewis Hamilton sprays Vladimir Putin with champagne. Credit: RUPTLYLewis Hamilton sprays Vladimir Putin with champagne. Credit: RUPTLY (Image: Archant)

Accepting his victory on the podium, the two-time Formula One world champion decided to spray Russian president Vladimir Putin – one of the world’s most powerful, and arguably most dangerous people – with champagne as he left the stage.

This provoked a media storm online with many people tweeting that it wasn’t the wisest move by Hamilton.

Ian McDowall said: “I thought Lewis might be banged up in Siberia for spraying Putin in the back with the champagne.”

Tim Taylor tweeted: “Spraying Putin with champagne. What a tick off the bucket list that is! Wonder how many have done that before and lived?”

Not one to give a lot away the Russian president kept Mumm as he left the stage.

The win was Hamilton’s 42nd career victory and puts him in pole position to claim this year’s championship.

Russia’s recent involvement in Ukraine and Syria’s civil war has attracted a lot of international attention and criticism of Mr Putin’s policies.