Lewis Hamilton says he is saddened by the plight of his former team McLaren and hopes they can soon move back towards the sharp end of the Formula 1 grid.

Eight-time constructors' champions McLaren are currently bottom of the standings after a dismal start to the new season in which their Honda engine has again proved uncompetitive and unreliable.

Without a win in the 81 races since Hamilton left the team for Mercedes, McLaren also have not finished in the top four of the Constructors' Championship since 2012.

"They have a place in my heart, I was with them for so long, so it's definitely sad to see such a great team not be at the top," said Hamilton.

Lewis Hamilton looks ahead to the Russian GP this weekend Lewis Hamilton looks ahead to the Russian GP this weekend

"Often there are things out of our control, and then there are often things that are in our control that are set by decisions that groups and people individually make.

"They are now I think trying to make steps and decisions and move the team in the right direction."

In the four-and-a-half years since Hamilton cut his ties with his boyhood team, McLaren have under undergone numerous changes of management.

In 2014, Ron Dennis returned as chief executive, while Eric Boullier replaced Martin Whitmarsh as team boss. However, Dennis was ousted by fellow shareholders last November with American businessman Zak Brown installed as executive director soon afterwards.

Lewis Hamilton celebrates his 10th year as an F1 driver in 2017, so Damon Hill sits down with the Mercedes driver to reflect on becoming World Champion in 2008 Lewis Hamilton celebrates his 10th year as an F1 driver in 2017, so Damon Hill sits down with the Mercedes driver to reflect on becoming World Champion in 2008

Amid the changes, Hamilton hopes McLaren's identity is not lost and that the new personnel provide the impetus for improvement.

"They've had changes in management and all sorts of things, but the most important thing for me is McLaren don't lose the core, heart and soul of what the team was all about when I loved them - before I joined them and when I was racing with them," he added.

"I really hope they find their way back to fighting ways because it would be great. They've not won a race since I left but I think they can do as soon as they figure out their power unit situation and also their car."

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