Lewis Hamilton has revealed his sadness at watching former team McLaren struggle this racing season.

Hamilton, 30, drove for McLaren from 2007 until 2012, winning his first Championship in 2008.

"I never really notice them, when I go past them," he told The Guardian. "I can't tell the difference, whether it is Fernando [Alonso] or Jenson [Button]. It doesn't look like a McLaren. For me, a McLaren is always red and white, or the silver car I drove.

"Now it is greyish, completely grey, and it feels very weird when you look at the board and see this team fighting with Marussia [Manor]. Marussia are relatively close and run on hardly any budget. It doesn't make sense and I cannot believe that that team has got to that point.

"Experience still stands for a lot and that team needs direction and a lot of help. I still think Jenson has a place in F1. He is one of the greats."

Hamilton has been fastest in two practices leading up to the Italian Grand Prix at Monza this weekend.