I'll struggle to retain title due to cutbacks, says Lewis

Lewis Hamilton believes cost-cutting measures in Formula One will make it "very tough" for him to retain his title next year.

Governing body FIA and Formula One teams agreed to a raft of changes last week, which include longer-lasting engines, limits on expensive testing and cheaper, off-the-shelf engines for smaller teams.

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

The sweeping changes come as car manufacturers reel from the global credit crisis, which has forced Honda to pull out of the championship.

The FIA said the first batch of cuts for next year will help larger teams reduce costs by about a third.

"We have less testing but we are in a position to pull together and make a difference," said Hamilton (left). "Everyone's in the same boat."

Changes to be introduced after next season will be even more radical with races maybe shortened to save money and refueling banned.

Hamilton's boss, Ron Dennis, called it a "challenging period".

"It's amazing how many different things happen in a year but all we're thinking about is how we can continue in the sport and continue to put on a good show," added Hamilton.