Lewis Hamilton has become the subject of a police investigation in New Zealand following a pre-Australian Grand Prix visit to the country.

According to the NZ Herald, police are looking into footage posted on social media by the reigning Formula 1 world champion that appears to show him using a mobile phone while riding a motorcycle.

Hamilton shared two videos of himself riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle on an Auckland highway.

“Police will be reviewing the footage and taking any appropriate action it deems necessary,” a police spokesman told the newspaper.

“Police take a strong stance on any activity which places undue risk on the lives on any person on the road.

“The use of mobile phones is a significant distraction, especially on a motorcycle, and can cause serious crashes on our roads.”

Hamilton’s New Zealand holiday had already made local headlines when he slammed Auckland’s Skycity Casino via Twitter on Monday night.

In a message since deleted, the Brit had warned his followers: “Don’t ever go to sky city casino in Auckland, they treated me like dirt. Can’t believe how rude they were. Worst casino experience ever.”

That incident was reportedly sparked by Hamilton’s use of a mobile phone at the casino’s gaming tables.

UPDATE: New Zealand police have confirmed via a statement that no action will be taken against Hamilton over the motorcycle videos due to insufficient evidence.

“Auckland city police will be taking no further action in relation to recent media publicity about Lewis Hamilton and his motorcycle journey in Auckland,” a police spokesperson said.

“The video footage available does not provide us with sufficient enough evidence that an offence has occurred.

“We would like to reiterate our earlier statements that police take the issue of mobile phone use whilst driving or riding very seriously. It is a significant distraction and a major risk to all road users.”