Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso says he is sad that Formula One has become so complex that it is turning off fans.

"I am sad for the sport you know because it doesn't look right from the outside when in one week we change the qualifying format three times," he said after completing a final session in his McLaren on Thursday. "Well, we pretend to change but no one officialise (sic) anything so you know if I was a sportsman from another sport I would look at Formula One and be a little bit surprised.

Sad: McLaren driver Fernando Alonso believes Formula One has become too complex Credit:Getty Images

"The changes, there are too many changes … the complexity of the rules for the spectators is quite high," the Spanish driver said, saying the new hybrid engines and different tyre compounds and rules had made the sport too technical.

"I think all my friends here in Spain want to switch on the television and watch battles, big cars, big battles, big noise and enjoy the race like they do with other sports.