F1 needs to become a show - Carey

Liberty Media boss Chase Carey has once again been discussing the changes that are set to be introduced for the 2018 season, and he stressed that the introduction of these amendments is to return the action to F1 and make the sport a 'show' again.

Carey is keen to focus on the spectacle of F1 in wake of recent figures released by Pirelli which showed that the number of overtakes in the 2017 season dropped almost 50% from the previous year. Commentators believe this has been due to a number of factors, not least the recent introduction of DRS zones, plus some of the other aerodynamic changes to the cars which makes passing difficult.

American owners Liberty are keen to ensure that they strike the correct balance between ensuring the continued safety of the drivers, but also improve the excitment for the viewing public, while also respecting long-standing history.

Speaking to France's Auto Hebdo, he said: "It's probably the people who have been fans from the beginning who liked what they grew up with.

"They represent the foundation of the sport. These fans are essential. But we want to interest a new audience, and for this we must find solutions that respect the historical element - what made this category so special - while attracting new people at the same time. We must interest a new generation."

"It starts above all with the show on the track. I use the word 'show' because that's what it should be. We can make the competition better -- improve the action. Around that, we want to make sure we capture the public's imagination."

Changes that are set to arrive in the 2018 season include the introduction of the halo device around the driver, while the number of engines a team can use in any one season will be reduced from four to three.