Hamilton saddened by FIA's decisions

In the wake of the announcement about budget caps and the decision to award the world championship to the driver with the most wins rather than the most points, Hamilton has expressed his disappointment about what has happened.

It follows critical remarks that have been voiced by former champions Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher about the changes.

"I think it's a shame what's happening to Formula 1," said Hamilton on Friday. "It's hard to believe that these recent decisions will improve things for the trackside spectators and TV viewers, who should always be our number-one priority, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

"Whatever the points system, I know that all Formula 1 drivers will always race our hearts out."

The FIA's shake-up of F1 rules went against proposals put forward by the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) following consultation with fans. Hamilton believes that the FIA's stance in rejecting FOTA's proposals is not good for the sport.

"For the first time in recent years we have the teams, drivers, sponsors and fans all working together for the good of our sport - now we just need the governing bodies to listen to us and help us," said Hamilton.

"Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport and that's what we all love about it; we should all be working together to maintain that."