Lewis Hamilton says years of “bad decisions” and incorrect management structures, rather than drivers, should be blamed for processional Formula 1 grands prix.
Mercedes has dominated a 2019 season that has featured a handful of underwhelming spectacles, most notably at Sunday’s French Grand Prix.
The top four drivers maintained their grid positions, and never seriously battled, while Sebastian Vettel claimed fifth place early in the race, having started seventh.
French GP: Race Result | Drivers' Standings | Constructors' Standings
Mercedes has won 10 races in a row, while only the reigning champions, Ferrari and Red Bull have won races in the hybrid era, which started in 2014.
“I really enjoyed the last race [in Canada] and races like that, I’ve never made any secret of that,” said Hamilton.
“That’s the races that people enjoy most, and of course races like these [today] are not the ones people enjoy most. But I think it’s really important for people to realise it’s not the driver’s fault.
“This is a constant cycle of Formula One, for years and years and years even before I got here, it’s because of the way Bernie [Ecclestone] had it set up and the decisions that were made then are still the same.
“Until that management structure changes it will continue to be the same, in my opinion, and that’s not my job to do that, it’s my job to do the best I can as a driver.”
Hamilton added: “When you [journalists] write the story and you say ‘it’s boring’ – if you do, I totally understand it, I remember growing up watching it.
“Don’t point the fingers at the drivers because we don’t write the rules, we don’t have anything to do with the money shift and all that kind of stuff.
“We should put the pressure on people that are at the head. I think they are trying to but for many, many years they’ve made bad decisions.
“Do I have confidence it’s going to shift massively? I have faith it’s going to get better, to the point that I went to Paris last week to get involved.
“I was in that meeting watching all the bosses of F1 and the FIA and all the Formula 1 teams and trying to get involved.
“I have nothing to gain by it, I’ve been there, but if there’s anything I can do to help.
“But they’re making all these decisions but never once had a driver’s input in that room so if that can be the decisive point that helps shift it so the fans can get better racing, I’d be proud to be a part of that.”
