Lewis Hamilton's request to skip testing flabbergasted Derek Warwick

BRDC president Derek Warwick says it is “bizarre” that Lewis Hamilton asked to be excused from testing in Austria.

Having already missed the previous in-season test in Barcelona, the world champion asked Mercedes to be excused from driving duties, allowing team-mate and title rival Nico Rosberg more time at the wheel – something Mercedes admitted on Twitter could hand the German an advantage.

Instead Hamilton posted pictures on social media showing he was in Monaco with musician Pharrell Williams. Warwick was amazed that the Briton was willing to give up seat time, particularly after having a substandard weekend at the Red Bull Ring.

“He was off the pace all weekend in Austria, he had a bad start, I’d want to be trying that start out again, checking my clutch is ready for the British GP,” Warwick told Sky Sports F1's The F1 Show.

Stirling Moss says Formula One remains extremely exciting and insists Lewis Hamilton is almost in a class of his own Stirling Moss says Formula One remains extremely exciting and insists Lewis Hamilton is almost in a class of his own

“I just find it bizarre that he would say ‘no’ and go off and be in Monaco with whoever he was with. As a racing driver you want every second you can in the car, if anything to keep the other driver out. It is obvious to me.”

Deputising for Hamilton, Rosberg completed 117 laps at the Red Bull Ring on the second day of the test, finishing top of the times.