Lewis Hamilton expressed his frustration about the current state of F1 on Wednesday, noting that the drivers should be allowed to make more of a contribution to the rules.
His comments came after the F1 Commission settled on new aero regulations for 2017 and a revised qualifying system for this season.
“I think the drivers should be consulted and be involved more,” said Hamilton. “We do have some ideas of what could be better. We do know what's not good in the car, particularly the drivers who have been driving for 10-15 years. We've been through all the different rule changes and know which ones worked and which ones didn't.
“I don't think the regulations are fine, even if there was five teams battling. I'd like a different kind of car. But I don't have all the answers, I just have a preferred type of car I'd like to drive. I love a V12 and big, wider tires.”
Hamilton isn't too excited about the new qualifying rules: “I don't really feel like it's going to change much, to be honest. I hope it's a surprise for us all and it does. I guess it just puts even more focus on making sure you get your laps in, I guess keeping people out, making sure everyone's out all the time, so I think it may be good for the spectators.”
Lewis is also frustrated at the way the weight of F1 cars has crept up in the hybrid V6 era.
“In the last few days I've been driving with these tires and thinking to myself, 'Why is it so difficult? What are the physical challenges for Pirelli? And why is he car sliding the way it goes?' I'm just realizing when I got to Formula One the car was like 600kgs, and now it's 100kgs heavier. I think that makes a big difference. They don't have to change the regulations much to make the cars three seconds quicker, just make the cars lighter. They are super heavy.”
Told that the weight limit will be increased next year he said: “That is just ridiculous. They were great at 600 kilos. It was easier for the tires. The heavier you make the car, the more it's forcing the tires so the tires will feel even worse and there's more pressure on Pirelli to produce better tires. And then more downforce... As I said, I have my opinions about it.”
Click HERE for more F1 news and features
