F1 must focus on increasing mechanical grip in 2017, Button says

Plans for F1 cars to be five-to-six seconds per lap quicker, and look more aggressive with bigger rear tyres and wider wings, are accompanied by concerns that faster cars will not make the racing any better.

Button believes that can be cured by focusing on increasing mechanical grip.

"One of the big things is that the drivers need to enjoy driving the car," Button said, when asked by Autosport for his 2017 wish list.

"So when they get out with a smile on their face or get out and fall out of the car because it is physical and tough, I think the fans will love it.

"There is more overtaking now than 10 years ago and everyone is saying those are the best years in F1.

"So mechanical grip is the way you need to go about finding lap time, because it doesn't impact on following.

"In terms of aerodynamics, I guess most of it has to come from the diffuser, as that is the area which least affects the following car."

F1 has come in for criticism for not doing enough to improve the show, following two seasons dominated by Mercedes, but Button has given the action taken by the championship's chiefs his backing.

"I think they are doing everything right," he said.

"F1 has had some negative criticism at the start of this year but I think they are turning it around, they are really listening to the criticism.

"The teams and the FIA understand where it needs to go as a sport because it's not in the right place right now and there's always room for improvement.

"The cars being six seconds quicker basically takes it back to 2005.

"They will sound better from 2016, which is good, that's a massive part of the sport.

"It's sad they sound like they do, it's nothing like I experienced growing up or what I experienced when I arrived in F1.

"Hopefully [in 2016], the sound will be better and I think that will help the sport."

Button hopes the change in regulations will help his McLaren team close the gap to its rivals after a torrid 2015 with new partner Honda.

"You can gain because it will be brand new for everyone," said Button.

"It's a clean slate and hopefully that will help teams who aren't at the front right now catch up.

"It's difficult right now with the regulations the way they are to bridge the gap to the other guys."