Formula 1 is the fastest form of single-seater racing on the planet. A recent Autosport study calculated that it currently laps between five to six per cent faster than the next equivalent category - Japan's Super Formula.
There is a clear desire to maintain this status quo. Suggestions that F1 fell too close to GP2 pace when V6 hybrid turbo engines were first introduced in 2014 caused much alarm.
Revisions to the 2017 technical regulations have focused on aggressive aerodynamics, designed to make F1 cars several seconds per lap quicker from next season.