Lewis Hamilton took to Instagram on Monday as he showed off his new plaited hairstyle as he makes the most of his time away from the Formula One circuit.

The 30-year-old, who is currently 21 points clear at the top of the Drivers' Championship ahead of Nico Rosberg, took to social media to reveal his latest haircut ahead of a trip to Barbados.

Hamilton has been enjoying a break in Colorado recently, which is the location for one of his 'Mega Zones' - a home he uses to escape from his hectic day-to-day life.

Now Hamilton is heading out to Barbados for Carnival 2015, with his new hairstyle clearly one for the occasion. 

He posted a picture of himself sporting the new hairstyle with the message: 'Barbados, we ready!!' #Islandlife #Carnival2015

His Instagram followers weren't too keen with his new look though, and wasted no time in slamming it on the social networking site.

One user wrote: 'Is he having a laugh.. clinging on for dear life to his barnet.'

F1 drivers now have three weeks off before they travel to Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgium Grand Prix on August 21-23.