Mercedes driver Hamilton believes Formula 1 'is a bit outdated'

The Mercedes driver has criticised F1's decision-making processes in recent years, and feels the outcomes have often been to the detriment of the championship.

However he feels the "new blood" entering the paddock - including his former team principal Ross Brawn overseeing sporting aspects - will help, especially if fans are listened to.

"I don't feel Formula 1 is winning - it's not been for a long time," he said, in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live.

"That's to do with rule changes, it's to do with not helping or not engaging the fans enough.

"There is still a great following in Formula 1, and I'm excited for the new owners that have come in. I'm hoping they do something new.

"New blood. New ideas. New ways of engaging the fans in a unique way.

"F1 is a bit outdated, if you look at other sports they're further ahead in the entertainment factor.

"Formula 1 is catching up, and they have a lot of catching up to do."

Hamilton feels the turbo-hybrid power units introduced in 2014 sound "terrible", and have taken away a major aspect fans enjoyed.

The Briton says the noise generated by previous engine formulas was one of the major reasons he got "hooked" on F1 growing up.

"I've said time and time again that I think it's terrible," said Hamilton.

"Most people are like, 'oh, it's not that bad'. But my opinion is that I think it is.

"When I first went to a grand prix at Spa in 1996, got into the paddock and Michael [Schumacher] came past in the V10 [Ferrari] and it literally rumbled my ribcage.

"I was hooked even more than I was when I'd watched it on TV.

"It was like a fighter jet - I was like 'what the hell?'

"It's not the only thing the fans love, but it's an addition to smell, to the roar of awesomeness that Formula 1 is.

"Take that away and, jeez, it's just sad to see the cars come by now, sound-wise."