F1 fans "the big winner of the first two races" - Seidl

McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl believes F1 fans are the "big winners" of the sport's new era following a thrilling start to the season.

F1 is racing to an all-new set of technical regulations this year with the changes that were aimed at improving the spectacle by allowing drivers to follow closer.

The opening two races of the year in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have provided some thrilling action with Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen taking a win each.

Asked if the recent Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was evidence the changes are working, Seidl said: “Yeah, definitely.

"Independent of our current situation, I guess the big, big winner of the first two races are Formula 1 fans and Formula 1.

“What we have seen so far on track with these first two races is great and exciting racing, very close racing.

"The cars can follow for several laps very closely without destroying the tyres and actually are able to have a go at each other, and not just once."

Seidl hoping McLaren can join in the fun

McLaren, though, has so far struggled after failing to find the right solutions to the new aerodynamic rules, with Lando Norris' seventh in Saudi Arabia the only points for the team.

Seidl is naturally hopeful McLaren can soon force its way back to the front and play a pivotal role in the excitement he speaks of.

“Accepting it is still very early days but it is a great confirmation that everything F1 and the FIA has put in place together with the teams is very promising," added Seidl.

"We are again set for a very exciting season. It will be even more exciting for us once we are back in this battle as well.”

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