F1 Ace Hamilton Swaps His Car For Tube Train

Formula One star Lewis Hamilton swapped his race car for public transport as he received a lesson in driving on the Tube.

The racing driver also rubbed shoulders with commuters on London's underground as he promoted the offer of free travel on New Year's Eve.

Passengers will not have to pay when they use the Tube, Docklands Light Railway or tram services between 11.45pm on December 31 and 4.30am on New Year's Day.

McLaren Mercedes driver Hamilton said he was pleased to launch a campaign aimed at encouraging responsible drinking.

"Whilst we all want to have a good time this party season, a good time will be a better one if you can remember it and get home safely," he said.

The campaign is being run by drinks company Diageo, which has signed a three-year deal with Transport for London (TfL) to sponsor free travel on New Year's Eve in the capital.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "London has a tremendous amount to offer over the festive period, and this fantastic deal will allow party goers to welcome the New Year in the world's most fantastic city, and still get home cheaply and safely, late into the night."

Tube travellers at selected central London stations will also receive free bottles of water during the festive period as part of the campaign.