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Lewis Hamilton: Faster cars won't improve racing in F1

Mercedes driver believes more mechanical grip is the answer; Hopes for more wheel to wheel racing with Ferrari at the Bahrain Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton has again cast doubt over the planned rule changes in F1, insisting faster cars won't deliver better racing.

The world champion claimed last week that people making the sport's rules don't have an understanding of how cars work, with the one-clutch start at the Australian GP one of his annoyances.

Plans are also afoot to make cars five seconds per lap quicker in 2017 through aerodynamics but Hamilton, who was criticised by F1 technical delegate Charlie Whiting for failing to attend driver meetings to express his views, says he knows racing won't improve with the proposed changes.

Why hasn't qualifying changed?
Why hasn't qualifying changed?

Why do elimination rules remain for Bahrain GP?

"There's been a lot of talk about the rules and whether the drivers should be more involved in decision making," Hamilton said. "It's not our job to come up with ideas and we all have different opinions anyway.

When's the Bahrain GP on Sky?
When's the Bahrain GP on Sky?

TV times and full schedule for this weekend's race

"But personally, I think we need more mechanical grip and less aero wake coming off the back of the cars so we can get close and overtake. Give us five seconds' worth of lap time from aero and nothing will change - we'll just be driving faster.

"I speak as somebody who loves this sport and loves racing. I don't have all the answers - but I know that the changes we're making won't deliver better racing."

The Mercedes driver struggled following cars at the season-opening race in Melbourne and complained to his team that he couldn't overtake Max Verstappen in the Toro Rosso.

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The FIA plan to make "faster, more aggressive" cars next season, which look set to be made with aerodynamics, the reduction of car weight and wider tyres - which could give Hamilton more of the mechanical grip he desires.

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Former Williams race and test team manager turned journalist, Peter Windsor, claims F1's decision makers should listen to advice given to them by Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton finished behind team-mate Nico Rosberg at Albert Park but managed to get the better of Sebastian Vettel despite a poor start and a quick opening stint from the Ferrari's.

The 31-year-old believes the Scuderia's pace is one reason to be optimistic for an exciting season and is looking forward to the Bahrain GP this weekend.

"There are going to be weekends where we're a few seconds up the road from Ferrari, races where it's wheel to wheel and races where they might be ahead," said Hamilton. "We really don't know - and that's exciting.

"I have a good feeling about my pace. I was ahead all weekend until the race start last time out, so I'm confident heading to Bahrain."

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