Hamilton hits out at FIA

Lewis Hamilton has today criticised the FIA's controversial decisions this week.

Motor sport's world governing body announced on Tuesday that from this year the Formula One champion will be the driver with the most race wins, turning 59 years of history on its head.

A voluntary budget cap is also to come into force for next year as the FIA seek to further slash costs and attract new teams.

Teams will then have a choice between freedom to spend, but forced to adhere to the current technical regulations, or enjoy a freedom of innovation, but within the £30m (€31.9m) cap.

There is the threat of a two-tier Formula One that will surely only confuse fans as some teams next year will be running under one set of rules, and other teams racing via a different system.

Hamilton pulled no punches as he said: "I think it's a shame what's happening to Formula One.

"It's hard to believe these recent decisions will improve things for the trackside spectators and TV viewers, who should always be our number-one priority, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

"Whatever the points system, I know all Formula One drivers will always race our hearts out.

"For the first time in recent years we have the teams, drivers, sponsors and fans all working together for the good of our sport - now we just need the governing bodies to listen to us and help us.

"Formula One is the pinnacle of motorsport and that's what we all love about it. We should all be working together to maintain that."

The FIA's new rules astounded the Formula One Teams' Association who have been working together in recent months for the future of the sport.

Following the announcement relating to the cap, Ferrari president and FOTA chairman Luca di Montzemolo derided the FIA as his unified body now faces the prospect of being split.

Di Montzemolo felt the new regulations ran "the risk of turning on its head the very essence of Formula One and the principles that make it one of the most popular and appealing sports."

FIA president Max Mosley believed FOTA had not acted quick enough, nor did their own proposals go far enough, and so instead opted to push through his own rules without consultation.