Lewis Hamilton is looking forward to the opportunity to regain weight when Formula 1 changes to separate car and driver weight stipulations next year.

Under current regulations, the minimum car weight of 734kg includes the driver.

Next year, however, the driver will be weighed separately.

Furthermore, any shortfall relative to the expected 80kg minimum will have to be made up by ballast which will be placed around the driver’s seat.

The rule means that lighter drivers will not be able to achieve an advantage by having the ballast placed in a position which lowers the car’s centre of gravity, as is currently the case.

Hamilton currently weighs 66kg and therefore has the option of gaining weight, including more muscle mass, before ballast may need to be placed around his seat.

“My comfortable weight is a little bit higher than I am and every year all the drivers, especially the taller and bigger boned ones are under more pressure to get skinnier,” said the 33-year-old.

“Next year the rules are changing which I think is cool.

“I’m excited as I can go and increase my intake and be a little bit heavier next year and be a lot stronger but I still want to be quick and sharp and responsive.

“Often big and bulky doesn’t mean you are quicker. Also weight up above means a higher centre of gravity which I don’t want to increase.

“I am excited for the challenge next season (of) changing my training program into next year when I should be a different athlete.”

The minimum weight increased from 728kg to 734kg this year due to the introduction of the halo, but that is believed to have far more than offset the extra 6kg allowance.