Hamilton wants changes made to F1 format

Sochi, Oct 17: British Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton on Saturday urged the organisers to improve their race weekend format.

The Friday running of the Russian Grand Prix here was limited as there was a diesel spillage on the track and then there was persistent rain, which was frustrating for the drivers and the fans. Bad weather had also affected the Japanese Grand Prix practice two weeks earlier.

"I'm sure it was (boring) for whoever tuned in -- and if they did tune in and nothing happened. And for you guys and for us, the mechanics, engineers, it's dull," Hamilton, who could win his second straight world title in Austin, was quoted as saying by Skysports on Saturday.

"It's one day less of Formula One driving for me in my life, so trust me I'm not happy about it. I count every day as a real blessing and when you don't get to utilise it, it sucks."

There cannot be blue skies and sunshine everytime, but Hamilton insists a little shake up would be better for the sport.

During the summer, the World Motorsport Association (FIA) announced that 'several exciting and innovative changes to the qualifying and race weekend formats have been discussed' for next year, with a Saturday's sprint race believed to be under consideration.

Asked if a change in format would be right for the game, Hamilton replied, "As a Formula One fan, 1000 percent. It's been the same Thursday, Friday, Saturday pretty much and Sunday for the whole nine years that I've been here. Qualifying might have changed a little bit, but generally the format's been exactly the same." IANS