Brawn downplays "boring" criticism of F1

Ross Brawn has moved to downplay concerns that Formula One has become boring in 2018. With wider cars and more aerodynamic dependency needed for the new generation of cars to work, overtaking has become much more difficult as has following the car in front, leading to duller races.

Instead, Brawn agreed with championship leader Sebastian Vettel's assessment of all sport having some great and some boring affairs no matter what.

"The championship battle is really exciting this year, but it's true that in Montreal, as in Monaco, qualifying was probably more exciting than the race," he said.

"That's predictable in the streets of the Principality, but it's not what you expect at the Notre-Dame Island circuit, which has usually provided some very exciting racing with the winner in doubt until the end.

"I reckon the best response to those who say Formula One is boring based on two races is what Vettel said in the post-race conference: "We had seven races this year, I think some were phenomenal, some were boring.

"Next week the World Cup is starting and I promise you that a lot of the games will not be exciting, but still people will watch it, but some games will be incredible. That's what we always look forward to: but it can't just always continue to go up and get better."

"Like Sebastian, I'm a football fan and I too have seen games between top teams end in a dull goalless draw and there will probably be some like that in the forthcoming World Cup."