Vettel: F1 has become too complex

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel believes Formula One has become "too complex" and risks further alienating supporters with over-the-top regulations. F1 has undergone a major overhaul in recent years including the addition of a drag reduction system, the switch from V8 to turbocharged V6 engines, as well as restrictions on spending among other new rules.

And with sweeping regulation changes set to come into effect in 2017, the four-time world champion has warned F1 not to get "lost in over complicated rules".

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel believes Formula One has become "too complex" and risks further alienating supporters with over-the-top regulations. 

F1 has undergone a major overhaul in recent years including the addition of a drag reduction system, the switch from V8 to turbocharged V6 engines, as well as restrictions on spending among other new rules. 

And with sweeping regulation changes set to come into effect in 2017, the four-time world champion has warned F1 not to get "lost in over complicated rules".

"In short, I think the sport should be in the spotlight and it should be about which driver is the fastest," Vettel said on his 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."

He added: "The dominance of Mercedes in the past two years took away a lot of excitement for the fans. Plus the new rules focus too much on details.

"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."