Hamilton: There’s lots F1 can do to make racing better

Lewis Hamilton has called on Formula 1 rule-makers to introduce changes to “make racing better and make it harder for drivers” following a controversial Canadian Grand Prix.

The reigning Formula 1 world champion claimed victory at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve after Sebastian Vettel was handed a five-second time penalty for re-joining the track in an unsafe manner while defending his leader against Hamilton. Despite Vettel finishing the race in the lead, Hamilton managed the gap to take victory on adjusted times.

A backlash has been was felt from fans over the penalty Vettel was handed, which the Ferrari driver angrily fought against leading to the Italian team launching an intent to appeal the penalty decision.

Reflecting on the current racing in F1, Hamilton is eager to see the sport improve its racing spectacle having turned attention to run-off areas which punish mistakes effectively during the build-up to the Canada race.

With Vettel going off across the grass at Turn 4, the four-time F1 world champion protested his innocence by coming back on to the racing line – and blocking Hamilton – due to his dirty tyres. F1 has seen a steady increase in tarmac run-offs in a bid to improve circuit safety but Hamilton warns it has come at a cost to racing.

“There’s lots Formula 1 can do to make racing better and make it harder for us drivers,” Hamilton said. “I remember back in the day, probably in GP2 or Formula 3, going through Pouhon at Spa and it was all grass and gravel at the exit, so if you just went a little bit too deep you paid the price, and that’s how Formula 1 should be.

“Rookies generally pay the price in those scenarios, there’s things that have been made a bit too easy in that respect.

“We already had a meeting, driver briefing the other day, we were already discussing lots of different elements like run-off areas. We asked why have they put run-off areas in the past, I think it was to not lose so many cars in the race, rather than a safety part. There’s all these different things.”

Despite the problems faced after the Canadian Grand Prix flashpoint, Hamilton has backed the sport’s progress and is hopeful of further developments.

“They are always trying to alter it to make the racing better, and they make these rules and you lean on the rules,” he said.

“I think they’re doing a great job in my opinion, over the last couple of years, I don’t know what more we can ask for.”