F1 LIVE | F1 drivers GPDA appeal and Alonso amazed by Newey's thinking

Karting is an incredibly important step on the road to Formula 1, and it is almost a necessity to hone your craft on the world's kart tracks to reach the highest level.

GPDA chairman Alex Wurz exclusively told GPblog that adding downforce isn't the way forward and will make the sport more expensive.

He said: "They come up with floors, and with different kinds of wings and downforce settings," Wurz explains during an exclusive interview with GPblog.

"We all said, this is absolutely insane, because karting is so cool, and all of it will just make it more expensive and perhaps more dangerous. We see no benefits to the sport, only downsides. Everyone will want to buy those downforce parts, but its not for the better of sport or drivers."

Adrian Newey has begun work at Aston Martin and is working towards the team hitting the ground running when the new rules are introduced next year.

Fernando Alonso is still looking for his third world championship at 44 years old and shed light on his collaboration with the designer.

He told GPblog and others: "[He has] zero [effect on this year's car]. Yes, it was never his priority, day one, even if we probably all insist a little bit to have a look at it.

"He is very focused on next year, and he has his own way and it's great to see him working and thinking in things or problems that we may face, even by race seven, after some of the first upgrades and things like that. It is incredible," he talked about what he finds impressive about the Briton.