Fans Overwhelmed as Lewis Hamilton Hits Out at F1 Changes, Saying They “Make Absolutely No Sense to…
Fans Overwhelmed as Lewis Hamilton Hits Out at F1 Changes, Saying They “Make Absolutely No Sense to Me”
Lewis Hamilton has hit out at Formula One’s changes for the upcoming season, saying they “make absolutely no sense to me”.
The Ferrari driver is in action in Azerbaijan and was asked about the sport’s alterations for the next campaign.
Part of next year’s changes will reduce regular events by nine miles, so teams won’t have to build bigger fuel tanks under the updated engine regulations.
Hamilton criticised the move, saying: “The races should be longer because they are physically easier than ever before.
“This is supposed to be a sport which is the most physically and mentally demanding, and there are some where you are on the edge.
“But that is where you want to see – athletes right on the edge of performance and pushing their bodies further, pushing the levels and pushing the boundaries.
“Shortening the races makes absolutely no sense to me.”
The British driver also made his feelings clear on the sport increasing its number of sprint races, with Monaco added despite the track’s reputation for being difficult to overtake.
Commenting on the changes, Hamilton said: “It makes no sense to me. I have always said Monaco needs to be different. I don’t think it should be the same race formula as everywhere else.
“We have included sprint races, and I think that has brought something new to the sport – and it is a positive that we get another qualifying session (in Monaco) – but we need to come up with something new for somewhere like that.
“It is a beautiful place, a beautiful country, and an incredible circuit to drive, but the races are as dull as it gets.
“Sprint races are not the answer.”
Speculation continues about where the campaign will conclude, with it currently scheduled for Qatar on November 29 and Abu Dhabi a week later.
Imola is on standby if the races cannot go ahead, with concerns around the paddock about travelling to the area.
Some individuals in the sport have reportedly shared they do not plan to attend, while Hamilton spoke openly about his desire to travel to the region.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s race, the British driver said: “I personally want to go. I love going to the Middle East.
From what I have read, things seem okay out there, but I don’t have all the information, and I don’t know what the risk levels are.
“I trust in (F1 CEO) Stefano (Domenicali) to make the right decision for the sport. And I do hope we get to go there.”
The sport is reportedly prepared to wait before making a final decision, with tickets remaining on sale for both events.
Races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were cancelled this year, with next year’s calendar beginning in the two venues.
