From GMM

Team McLaren-Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has blasted his ten-position grid penalty for the forthcoming French grand prix as "harsh" following his mistake during the Canadian GP in Montreal.

In quotes published in the British press on Monday, the former championship leader also dismisses the current rule whereby traffic lights indicate whether the pit lane is open or closed as "silly".

"We are in a race. How can you see a red light at the end of the pit lane?

"But that's the rule and I accept it," said the 23-year-old McLaren driver, who was penalised by stewards after smashing into the stationary Kimi Raikkonen after a pit stop in Montreal on Sunday.

The Guardian newspaper claims that Hamilton was told over the radio to "watch out" for the red light by his team prior to the smash.

Even so, the Briton told The Mirror that he thinks the resultant Magny Cours penalty is "a bit harsh really".

"I didn't aim to ruin anyone's race."

But Hamilton's reluctance to simply admit his mistake, apologise and move on is showing no signs of winning him new supporters.

A writer for The Daily Mail wrote: "Shame on you, Lewis, not for an exhibition of driving which would have cost you your no-claims bonus on the streets outside your Geneva home, but for a lack of contrition."

Even Sir Jackie Stewart, one of Hamilton's staunchest supporters, is questioning his level of maturity in the wake of the Montreal howler.

"When he looks back in four or five years he will question himself about what sort of person and driver he was in 2007 and 2008," the Scot said.