Oct.18 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton on Thursday backed away from his earlier plans to visit the grave of his childhood hero Ayrton Senna.

Before travelling to Sao Paulo for the 2007 title decider, the British championship leader had let slip to reporters that, on his upcoming first visit to Brazil, he would make his way to Morumbi cemetery to pay his respects.

Senna, arguably the greatest formula one driver of all time, was killed during the San Marino grand prix in 1994.

"I'll definitely be going there," British newspapers including the Mirror had quoted Hamilton, 22, as saying.

"It will be quite moving, quite emotional for me."

His comments, which sparked international headlines, drew criticism from some who feared that Hamilton's cemetery visit would turn into an unseemly media frenzy.

Hamilton said at the Interlagos circuit on Thursday: "I doubt I'll go because I know I'll be followed. So perhaps I'll leave it until another trip.

"I know my hotel is only a couple of miles from where he is, that's the closest I've ever been to him. So it's quite an unusual experience for me," he added.