Lewis Hamilton says new F1 rules 'ridiculously complex' and 'none of the fans are going to understand it'

Lewis Hamilton says "you need a degree to understand" the impact of the new rules

Lewis Hamilton says that the new rules this year make Formula 1 "ridiculously complex" and that "none of the fans are going to understand it".

The seven-time champion was referring to the increased degree of energy management required by the new engines, which have a near 50-50 power split between internal combustion engine and electrical components.

Briton Hamilton, speaking after driving the Ferrari on the first morning of this week's pre-season test in Bahrain, said: "I sat in a meeting the other day and they're taking us through it. And yeah, it's like you need a degree to fully understand it all."

The rules have set up a situation where the engines are energy starved most of the time, and teams and drivers have to maximise the amount of energy recovery they do.