Fernando Alonso 'uncomfortable' about F1 engine noise situation
Fernando Alonso feels uncomfortable discussing the merits of Formula 1's new regulations, because of the potential for disgruntled fans to turn their ire on him
Many fans have hit out at the muted sound produced by the new energy-efficient power units in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, while world champion Sebastian Vettel reckons the V6 turbos have robbed F1 of some of its magic.
Some drivers have also criticised the nature of the racing produced by the new cars, leading McLaren's Jenson Button to tell them to race elsewhere if they are unhappy with F1's current direction.
Double world champion Alonso feels he cannot yet make his own judgements for fear of being criticised on all sides.
"This is a very uncomfortable matter to speak about, because if I say I like this Formula 1, I will be criticised because this is no longer Formula 1 for the fans," he said.
"If I say I don't like this Formula 1, the fans will criticise because I only like [it] when I win."
The Ferrari driver reckons the sport should allow more time for the new formula to bed in before making judgements on how successful the new regulations have been.
"I think we need to give more time to see how the races are, how the show is, and how people react from this new Formula 1," Alonso added.
"We need a little bit more time to understand the disappointment of the Australian race from the fans point of view, because the race was not probably as we thought.
"When 15 cars finish [with] not many problems, and not many overtaking moves, maybe we were not expecting that.
"So we need to give a little more time; maybe here we will have a fantastic race [and a] fantastic show."
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