Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso predicts that next year's cars will bring back the "wow" factor that has been missing for drivers, as the sport aims to attract fans with quicker and more attractive looking cars.
The 2017 technical regulations have been specifically designed not only to produce an aggressive looking car, but to also produce cars which are capable of breaking lap records by some margin.
That will happen through wider and grippier tyres, increased downforce and natural development on the power unit with the abolishment of engine tokens.
Alonso, who recently admitted 2017 would indicate whether or not he would retire from F1, expects the cars will once again thrill the driver, like when he started his career in 2001.
"With the new regulations in place next year we will probably get the excitement back as the cars will be much more attractive – and much faster," he told the official Formula 1 website.
When asked if that could reignite his passion for F1, he replied: "Yes, because it means that you are very excited in the car when you jump in. I expect the feeling of ‘wow’ again – as when I started in F1!"
With the sport now on a break and the drivers heading off on their annual holidays, Alonso explained why he chooses to go to America: "The idea is to go to the USA, as you have much more freedom there, as you don't get recognised on the street," he added.
"A bit of California and Las Vegas – to switch-off from F1. Not to Alaska, not this time!"
