Jenson Button backs the direction F1 is heading in for the future

Amid falling viewing figures, the current generation of Formula 1 cars has received criticism for not providing a spectacular enough excitement for the fans.

From 2017, there are plans to introduce cars that are five seconds per lap faster, more aggressive looking with wider front and rear wings and bigger rear tyres.

Button, speaking to AUTOSPORT the night before his 2016 deal with McLaren was confirmed, believes F1 is taking the right steps.

"For me, 10 years ago, the sport was in a great place in terms of how the cars felt and I think they are going back in that direction," he said.

"People have realised that some things need to change - and they are going to change them.

"2017 looks like it will be great, there will be lots of mechanical grip and downforce hopefully in the correct way.

"It is probably the most exciting year for Formula 1 for a long time in terms of the cars being four or five seconds quicker again."

Button said the new direction Formula 1 is taking will make driving more enjoyable for the drivers while also setting apart the very best.

"We love downforce and we love g-force," add Button, who was speaking at the Esso Synergy Fuels launch in London.

"Whether you go through a corner as quick as the other guys is down to how big your balls are and what risk you're willing to take.

"Now you turn in and it just falls over, waggles its tail all the way through the corner so there is not a lot of grip.

"[In the past] it meant we had to train - and it meant it made a difference to our results.

"I think 2017 is going to be a great year if the changes that have been talked about are pushed through."