Former F1 driver Nick Heidfeld believes that Formula 1 is "not in as bad a state as many observers suggest," according to Rachit Thukral of MOTORSPORT. F1 has been "surrounded by negativity since the advent of the V6 turbo era" in '14, with complaints "ranging from the lack of engine sound, to single-team dominance and poor quality of racing." While Heidfeld, who scored 13 podiums in an F1 career spanning 12 years, "feels there are areas to be worked upon, he reckons the sport is in a better shape than many perceive." Heidfeld said, "First of all, I think Formula 1 needs to get out of this negative spiral which it is in, which, for me, is not there for the right reason. Of course, you can always improve things, but F1 is not as bad as some people try to make out. It still has fantastic cars with fantastic drivers and good racing." Having said that, Heidfeld believes the controversial Drag Reduction System "makes overtaking too simple and artificial." He said, "For me what I miss is the sound, and also that the overtaking is too artificial with the DRS." Heidfeld thinks F1 "should give priority to mechanical grip so as to make it easier for drivers to follow another car." Heidfeld: "I think [mechanical grip] will always help racing. Especially since aerodynamic grip is lost when you follow another car in dirty air. So, to have mechanical grip and more grip from the tires is the right way to go" (MOTORSPORT, 2/13).
