New Formula One logo receives criticism

Formula One's £6.4 billion ($12.4 billion) redesigned logo has been quick to receive criticism. Photo / Getty

Racers and fans have criticised the new Formula One logo which was launched following the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The costly £6.4 billion ($12.4 billion) redesign by Liberty Media replaced the 23-year-old logo which was introduced by former Chief Executive of Formula One, Bernie Ecclestone.

Liberty hoped the redesign would help attract new audiences and Formula One's commercial boss, Sean Bratches said the new logo aims 'to capture the speed and excitement of motorsport.'

"Our new brand identity symbolises the wider transformation taking place in Formula One as we aim to broaden the sport's appeal, attract new audiences and build stronger connections with existing fans," he told The Daily Mail.

"To be able to launch it here at the final race of the year in Abu Dhabi provides a great end to what has been an exciting year of racing and we look forward to an ever more engaging and immersive experience for all Formula One fans in 2018."

After an amazing season – a new #F1 era awaits

Our greatest races are ahead of us
#Unleash2018 pic.twitter.com/1g0KSjeVhj

— Formula 1 (@F1) November 26, 2017

But criticism for the new design was quick to rise as Formula One race driver Lewis Hamilton believed it wasn't iconic.

"The old one was iconic, and the new one isn't ... . imagine if Ferrari changed theirs," he said.

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel also queried the wisdom of the rebrand insisting he preferred the old design.

Austrian Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said the logo was "mind-blowing" with more than a sense of sarcasm.

Meanwhile fans on social media have also moved to express their disdain.