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Mercedes F1 driver Lewis Hamilton calls for clarity on 'grey' rules

Lewis Hamilton has called for clarity over Formula 1's "very grey" rules to prevent drivers exploiting uncertainty

The FIA moved to define two of those grey areas on Saturday ahead of qualifying by issuing updated regulations regarding defensive driving and blue flags.

USGP QUALIFYING: Hamilton beats Rosberg to Austin pole

Asked if F1 is becoming over-regulated and confusing drivers and fans, Hamilton suggested some areas of the rule remain imprecise and need to be tightened up.

"I don't see the rules being an issue, it's just the rules being very grey," said Hamilton, who used the start of the Japanese Grand Prix two weeks ago as an example.

"We discussed the start of the last race. The rule has always been we've got to be in the grid spot - you can't be half a car out, half a car in.

"At the last race, because we had water on our side of the grid, Daniel Ricciardo [who was behind Hamilton in fourth] placed his car two wheels out, two wheels in.

"It needs to be clear because if that is now allowed, and common sense is allowed to prevail, all of us will just do that and you'll see cars staggered all down the grid.

"Now it's never been a rule. If I'd known in the last race I would have also put the car there. We had asked and they said no.

"If it's inconsistent then some people will exploit, while some people may get penalties and may not.

"It's just about having very, very clear instructions, consistency."

The FIA recently changed the rules regarding double-waved yellow flags after claims of inconsistency.

Drivers are now forced to abort a lap if they encounter such flags rather than just lift significantly, as was previously the case.

"It wasn't very clear, so some people have got away with some things and other people have been penalised," added Hamilton.

"It should be the same all the time, so the clearer you make it, the easier it is. You won't try and exploit it.

"You know if there's a yellow flag, it's a lift; you know if there's a double yellow flag, you cannot finish your lap.

"There's no lift a little bit before and accelerating faster through the corner where the danger zone is and get away with it as people have done."

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