Formula 1 isn't a sport because of the huge spread in performance up and down the field according to former Marussia driver Max Chilton.
Chilton, who now races in IndyCar following a two-year spell at Marussia in 2013 and 2014, claims the performance gap between the top teams and the backmarkers means drivers cannot prove their talent and therefore it can't claim to be a sport with so many other factors playing a part in success.
The Briton however claims the opposite is true of IndyCar, particularly in 2018 when it switches to a one-make chassis, putting the emphasis on the driver.
"I've raced against people like Daniel [Ricciardo] who win races so I know I am not a million miles away," he told Sportsmail. "It's frustrating when the sport is that unfair. When you are driving and being passed by a car that's 20mph faster that's not sport.
"The problem F1 has got at the moment is there is a four-second gap between the lead car and the back car and that's not really sport. Sport should pretty much be a level playing field or as close to possible.
"That's the bit I struggle with but I didn't make myself look stupid. I came away learning a lot and would love to go back to F1 one day but it would have to be in a mid-to-front-running team."
Chilton conceded that motorsport is never going to be a completely level-playing field, but reckons IndyCar is as close as it will get.
"Motorsport is never going to be like that, it's impossible, but IndyCar next year is going to be as near a one-make series than they have done. Everyone has the same aero kit and there is very little difference between the engines and the racing should be even closer next year.
"So at least every car can be within a second which is great for the fans. It's also a great opportunity for Carlin. We still have a lot to learn but hopefully by the end of the year we can produce some results."
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