BEIJING, Dec. 18 -- Lewis Hamilton believes cost-cutting changes will make it "very tough" for him to repeat as Formula One champion next year. Governing body FIA and the F1 teams agreed to a series of measures for 2009 last Friday, which include longer-lasting engines, limits on expensive testing and cheaper, off-the-shelf engines for smaller teams.

McLaren's Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain and Ferrari's Felipe Massa (background L) of Brazil wave to the crowd before the Brazilian F1 Grand Prix in Sao Paulo Nov. 2, 2008.

"I don't think it will make it easier," Hamilton said on Tuesday. "With the new regulations it's going to make it very tough to win the championship again."

The sweeping changes come as automakers reel from the global financial crisis. Honda pulled out of F1 this month after Super Aguri quit in April. FIA said the first batch of changes for 2009 will help larger teams cut costs by about one-third over 2008.

"We have less testing obviously but I think we as a team are in a position to pull together and make a difference in some other way," Hamilton said. "But everyone's in the same boat."

Formula one driver Lewis Hamilton poses with the trophy during the 60th Bambi media awards ceremony in the southwestern German town of Offenburg Nov. 27, 2008.

Changes to be introduced after next season will be even more radical with races maybe shortened to save money and refueling banned, which could dramatically alter the spectacle for fans.

【体坛英语资讯：Hamilton sees tough year in 2009】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Beijing Olympic flame reaches India

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Emotional Jackie Chan buries father in Australia

★ 娱乐资讯：Paris Hilton released from jail

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Jackie Chan,Zhang Ziyi to sing for Olympic film

★ 体坛英语资讯：China chalks up breathtaking victory at world table tennis

★ 体坛英语资讯：Portugal advances, Switzerland eliminated at Euro 2008

★ 体坛英语资讯：Deal done: Domanski abandons Steel Roses

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Lily Allen is pregnant

★ 体坛英语资讯：Liu Xiang wins mens 110 meters hurdles gold at Olympic test event

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Coldplay sets dates for extensive Viva La Vida tour