Hamilton calls for more women in paddock

In the leadup to Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix, the three-times champion Briton, and other leading drivers, were asked for their wishlists for the championship and Hamilton had little hesitation championing a more inclusive track-side environment. 

“A Miami race and more ladies in the paddock,” the 32-year-old said at the pre-race media conference. 

“More access for the women, there’s too many dudes in the paddock.” 

Hamilton was more for turning back the clock when it came to the series’ power units, however, agreeing with Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo’s wish for no more “electric engines” in Formula One. 

The current generation of quieter and more fuel-efficient V6 turbo hybrid power units, while technologically impressive, have failed to win over some fans who miss the noisier V8 engines. 

Hamilton was less sold on McLaren driver Fernando Alonso’s ironic suggestion that teams be given “equal engines”. 

The 35-year-old Alonso was frustrated with the poor performance of the Honda-powered McLaren cars during winter testing, having already endured two bleak seasons since returning to the team in 2015. 

“I don’t agree with that one,” Hamilton said of Alonso’s wish. “Not electric and not Honda,” he quipped, drawing a murmur from reporters. 

Most Formula One fans will wish for a more competitive series this year after Mercedes swept the drivers’ and constructors’ championships for the last three seasons running.