Mercedes Formula One racing driver Lewis Hamilton (left) of Britain and teammate Nico Rosberg of Germany pose for a publicity shot at the Jerez racetrack in southern Spain on Feb 4, 2013. Hamilton was all smiles as he showed off his new Mercedes Formula One car, even if the 2008 world champion was clearly still adjusting to life after McLaren and may have to wait a while to win again. [Marcelo del Pozo / Reuters]

The Briton was less happy talking about the private plane, which according to the Daily Mail newspaper boasts plasma screens, a bar, pull-out bed, a personalized registration and cost a reported 20 million pounds ($31.48 million).

The luxury should make it easier to spend time with celebrity singer girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger in Los Angeles as well as allowing him to fly around the world with his "new best buddy" - a British bulldog called Roscoe.

"My mum has about five dogs, my dad has a dog as well, but I have always wanted a dog of my own, and I've never had the opportunity to do it, so I just went for it," Hamilton told reporters crowded into the team's hospitality area.

"I've got him a passport, he's going to travel around with me. I've asked (Formula One supremo) Bernie (Ecclestone) for a pass, so fingers crossed he'll give me it."

Whether that happens, with animals normally barred from racing circuits for safety reasons as well as their own welfare, remains to be seen.

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