Two F1 drivers have hit back at suggestions the world championship is no longer the pinnacle of motor sport.
As the category’s stakeholders consider what changes to make to rekindle interest, Red Bull driver Daniil Kvyat shakes his head at claims driving the modern cars is no longer a serious challenge.
"The challenge is huge, no matter what they (the critics) say," said the young Russian.
"I hear all this criticism, but I believe those who do it (complain) are not aware of what us drivers are really having to do.
"I’d like to see them sitting in one of these cars and see what they are capable of," Kvyat told Brazil’s Globo.
With a similar attitude is Nico Hulkenberg, who clarified that he did not decide to take on the challenge of Le Mans this year because F1 is no longer exciting.
"I’m not one of the great critics of formula one," he insisted to the German broadcaster ZDF.
"For me, formula one is still the premier class, so the fastest and the best cars you can drive today. It’s still a lot of fun," the Force India driver added.