Hamilton: F1 going in wrong direction with engines

Lewis Hamilton believes Formula 1 has taken the wrong direction over its decision to restrict drivers to fewer engines for the 2018 season.

F1 switched the power limit unit from four to three for this year’s 21 grand prix world championship in a bid to save costs, with the MGU-K, control electronics and energy store components restricted to just two elements throughout the entire campaign. 

Engine regulations are at the forefront of discussions for a new set of rules set to be introduced for 2021, but Hamilton, who raised concerns over engine limits towards the end of last season, fears the decision is hurting the spectacle. 

“The sport is going in the wrong direction in my opinion. I have so many different opinions about it,” Hamilton said.  

“They need to fricking change these bleeding engines to save costs and then they spend more to produce it.”

The reigning world champion was hampered by engine issues during the early stages of Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix as he struggled for pace, adding he was relieved to finish a distant fifth after admitting he was worried the problem might force him into retirement.

And Hamilton hopes 2018’s engine limit does not ultimately impact on the outcome of this year's title fight, with a number of drivers including Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo already bracing themselves for power unit-related grid penalties after encountering reliability woes in the first seven races. 

“I hope they don’t go to two engines next year because it’s just going to get ridiculous. It was definitely a bit more fun when you had more engines I would say,” he added.

"The fact that a season could sway through reliability, I don’t think anyone wants to see that. I don’t think anyone wants to be cheated of that. You want actual true performance.”