Hamilton: Abu Dhabi the last race of good-looking cars

Lewis Hamilton believes the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina will be the last Formula One race with aesthetically pleasing cars due to Liberty Media's decision to add the new 'halo' device on the vehicles which will be in place from next season.

The new owners of Formula One, Liberty Media, are implementing plenty of changes for the next campaign including engine alterations and the more even spread of finances throughout the teams. One particular change seems to be polarising with drivers, and that is the introduction of the 'halo' device, which surrounds the driver's head in order to stop larger debris such as tyres causing any damage.

Hamilton, who is the recently-crowned F1 champion, thinks that although increased safety is positive, it will mean cars are less attractive, while joking that he could bring out his own branded item to make more money next year.

"It's the last of the years where it [cars] looks good, the last race where it'll look good," Hamilton told reporters in Abu Dhabi today.

"I think from next year it's all downhill [but] safety will go up at least. Maybe I'll start a new flip flop brand next year and be successful in some way,"

Despite reservations from Hamilton, not everyone has dismissed the 'halo' device as a negative inclusion on the vehicles. His championship rival for most of this season, Sebastian Vettel, thinks that much of the criticism that has been directed at the device is unfounded.

"I think the cars will look different next year, everything I've seen so far looks different," said the Ferrari driver.

"But on the other hand I think it's something we'll get used to, but no doubt the cars look better the way they are now.

"We'll work on the aesthetics so it'll look fine as well, so in the end it's probably less of a big deal."

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place this Sunday at the Yas Marina circuit.