London, Jan 31(ANI): Formula One racing driver Lewis Hamilton has raised concerns over F1 chiefs' decision to ban refueling during Grand Prix this season to try to make racing more exciting.
The rule change means that fuel loads have been doubled to a staggering 240 litres, forcing Hamilton to issue a safety warning.
"We are sitting on a huge rocket. You are sitting on a serious timebomb, which could go off anytime.
But we all know that F1 is a dangerous sport. That is the risk we take. And, as a racing driver, that doesn't worry me," News of The World quoted Hamilton, as saying.
"I will get in the car and I will go flat out and, if it happens, it happens," he added.
Hamilton further believes that cars will be tougher to control, especially at the start when tanks are full.
"They will also take longer to slow if a driver shoots off the circuit. That will also increase the impact speed should a car hit a tyre wall," Hamilton said.
"They won't stop as quickly and it will be a lot heavier on brakes. But the cars are built to withstand difficult forces," he added.
Meanwhile, McLaren team-mate and reigning World champ Jenson Button backed up Hamilton's fears that the cars will be more difficult to handle.
"80kg of fuel could do some damage, so it doesn't matter if it's 80kg or 160kg. But the way the system works - with a cut-off valve - it shouldn't be a problem," Button said.
"But the car is so heavy now. It is a lot more difficult with the brakes. I have driven it in the simulator and it is tough on brakes," he added.
The duo launched McLaren's revolutionary new car on Friday and will drive it for the first time when the maiden test of the new season gets under way in Valencia on Monday. (ANI)
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