Amidst growing criticism of F1 2014 - at least from some quarters - Lewis Hamilton has leapt to its defence.

The fact that 83% of those that took part in a survey on Ferrari's website found the new look formula to be disappointing won't come as too much of a surprise to those that feel the Italian team - currently third in the championship and already admitting it has its work cut out - doesn't take kindly to losing, the legendary multi world champions still in shock at losing successive titles to an energy drinks manufacturer.

Company president Luca di Montezemolo, who was already critical of the new rules before the season had even begun, has met with Bernie Ecclestone to raise his concerns with a follow up meeting scheduled to take place with the F1 supremo and FIA president Jean Todt in Bahrain this weekend.

However, one person who sees nothing wrong with the new formula, feeling that most of the complaining is coming from teams and drivers (and their supporters) who are no longer dominating, is Lewis Hamilton, who is hot favourite for victory this weekend.

"Di Montezemolo didn't say anything when Michael won those five world championships," he told reporters in Bahrain. "It's the same when McLaren won all their championships, they didn't say anything, and the same with Red Bull when they won, they weren't saying anything. Someone else gets into the lead and they'll say something. It's the nature of the game."

Referring to fans complaints about the new look F1, he said: "Karts are the best races to watch because you get to see such natural talent because everyone has the same kart and similar engines and you get to watch a train go round, with overtaking from corner to corner. Formula One is different. It has different technology, is a different competition, we're in a period of time when technology is everything, and the fact Mercedes has developed better technology than everyone, have generally done a better job this year...

"Red Bull have had the best car overall but now it may change this year," he continued. "That's a positive, it needs some time before you judge this season."

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Chris Balfe

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Natcheztoo, 04/04/2014 22:45

"Heck, if I had won one of two Grands Prix and had the fastest car in F1, I'd defend the stinking mess that has been created too.

My advice: take the diamond studs out of your ears; you will think better.

"

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2. Posted by nonickname, 04/04/2014 15:14

"At last proof that he was dropped on his head as a baby... yes karts are great as is any form of motorsport where technoligy has not run wild.
I look forward to the first comarisons between GP2 and F1 when they meet on the same circuits. I know which will sound like racing cars and,I am sure will put on a proper motor race. Todt got it wrong...again!"

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3. Posted by Cobra Driver, 04/04/2014 12:17

"I am sure Lewis realizes that the sport was not developed purely for the benefit of the driver and engineer. We lowly fans have some skin in the game. To sit in front of the tube and watch F1 cars parade around the track is akin to watching paint dry."

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4. Posted by lethalnz, 04/04/2014 2:26

"problem is everyone likes to win, if your not winning then you have the right to complain,
if you are winning then you have the right to defend your winning,
get over it, its just human nature,
unless of co**** you dont like the guy then your likely to knock him in support of who you like.
its all to common these days to knock who ever is winning.
no one likes to see anyone run away with it, they like to see a fight for the podium,
Merc are well and truly on top and those that dont like it are complaining so much it has got to the point of being ridiculous,
three races into the season and they already know they can not catch up. "

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5. Posted by Kkiirmki, 04/04/2014 0:13

"It's a bit rich coming from him after his comments from last season in regards to Vettel's dominance, different story now the shoes on the other foot? The seasons isn't over yet so I'd suggest he doesn't get too cocky. I much prefer the humble Hamilton of the last few years as opposed to the arrogant 2007 version. And in regards to the karting comment, I saw the Senna movie too.

"

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Hamilton defends new look F1

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