Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel has warned that Formula 1 risks losing its roots because of over-complicated rules which not only confuse fans, but create an unfair playing field which leads to dominance and therefore drives fans away.
The German highlighted several factors which he identified as problem areas, including the rise of technology and complicated rules which have made the car a greater influence than ever before, casting a shadow over driver skill.
"I think the sport should be in the spotlight and it should be about which driver is the fastest," Vettel is quoted by his official website.
"Today the car plays an important role, like it did in the past. But we shouldn't get lost in over complicated rules.
"Our audience has to be able to identify with our cars again. At the moment F1 is just too complex and we're lacking sound."
Another area he believes has diminished the excitement is the dominance of Mercedes which won all but three races last season and secured both championships with relative ease.
"The dominance of Mercedes in the past two years took away a lot of excitement for the fans," he added.
"I think we have to be careful not to lose the roots of motor racing and I certainly hope the cars of the future will be more within their grasp."
