Lewis Hamilton reckons this year's Pirelli tyres could level the playing field as they have "slowed down" the cars.

Just hours after his team boss Martin Whitmarsh urged teams and drivers to "perhaps be more careful in their expressions" of criticism towards Pirelli's tyres, the McLaren driver has voiced his opinion - and it's not that good.

In the opening 11 days of pre-season testing, the one common assessment of the Italian rubber is that the tyres have high wear.

And while some are celebrating the fact that this means varied strategies, more pit stops and more chance of mixing up the field, others are not so happy.

One man who is not happy is Hamilton, who feels Pirelli have slowed down the cars as drivers now have to nurse their tyres in order to avoid multiple pit stops.

"Over the years you have to change your style and adapt, while keeping the important part, which is the speed and aggression," the 2008 World Champion told The Guardian.

"Now the biggest step is how we are going to have to look after the tyres.

"You'll see it's going to be just as competitive this year, if not more. The regs are bringing the teams closer, making it more competitive, but not as hard-core competitive.

"In 2007 and 2008, the teams were so quick and pushing each other so fast at the front. They've now slowed down the cars a little, it's maybe a more even playing field."

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