Lewis Hamilton calls on Formula One bosses to make drastic changes after Friday’s practice session for the Chinese Grand Prix called off due to foggy conditions

LEWIS HAMILTON has called on F1 bosses to make drastic changes to the Chinese Grand Prix after Friday’s practice sessions were cancelled due to fog.

F1 chiefs were left red-faced after thick smog 24 miles away in Shanghai meant the first session was cut short while the second practice was scrapped altogether.

Strict safety rules mean that drivers who suffer head injuries must be taken to a hospital with capabilities of treating neurological injuries within 20 minutes.

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However, in Shanghai, the dense fog near the hospital meant an air ambulance would not be able to land.

And police were unable to guarantee an emergency route to the hospital by road given the city’s traffic congestion.

It meant fans were denied the chance to see their heroes on track while teams were prevented from valuable running time.

Hamilton, who to his credit went to meet fans in the grandstand and dished out some signed caps, said changes need to happen.

He said: “So sorry for all you either watching on TV or here at the track. We must find a solution to deal with weather issue.

“Saturday program: three practice sessions, qualifying Sunday morning and then race. Who’s down for the switch up?

“Seriously though, this could actually be a blessing in disguise. A chance for new bosses to be proactive and be creative.”

While safety is always the most important factor, the fiasco in China will be the first test for the sport’s new owners.

Liberty Media bought the sport for £6.8billion in February and have been determined to enhance the experience for fans both at the track and watching at home.

Friday’s no-show will be a reality check after the glorious season-opener in Melbourne got the season off to a flying start.

On Friday, team bosses met with the FIA’s Race Director Charlie Whiting to discuss potential changed to the weekend.

Weather reports suggest that the fog on Sunday’s raceday could be even WORSE, keeping the helicopter grounded and casting a doubt as to whether the race would go ahead.

However, with the Bahrain GP next weekend, teams are on a tight schedule meaning the race cannot be delayed until Monday.

Plus, the visa requirements could also be set to expire on Monday, meaning key personnel have to leave the country.

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, who like Hamilton is hugely popular among the Chinese fans, added: “It is a shame for the people who came out, they are usually happy to see us and pumped up for the weekend.

“But they did not get to see much running. F1 is only here once a year, I just hope it is a normal day tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, Malaysian Grand Prix will be dropped from the Formula One calendar next year after ending their deal early.

The long-term future of the race Sepang had been in doubt for several months after the government withdrew its funding for the race.

Track bosses reached an agreement with F1’s new owners to exit their contract a year early, which is due to see the German GP return in its place in 2018.

F1’s managing director of commercial operations Sean Bratches said: “It’s always sad to say goodbye to a member of the Formula One family.

“Over nearly two decades, the Malaysian Formula One fans have proven themselves to be some of the sport’s most passionate supporters.

“As we said in Melbourne, we have big plans for bringing our global fan base closer to the sport than ever before, providing an enhanced digital experience and creating new events.”