Nico Rosberg delivers F1 fan prediction over car criticism

2016 F1 champion Nico Rosberg has predicted that fans will learn to enjoy the new regulations if exciting on-track battles continue to occur.

The opening three rounds of the campaign has saw scruitny fall on the cars which have been built under fresh rules.

Various F1 drivers have issued complaints over the 'yo-yo' nature of racing, which has seen a them often unable to hold onto a position after completing an overtake due to their depleted battery.

They are also disappointed that they no longer push flat out during qualifying as they work to harvest energy for the straights.

While Rosberg praised the technology, he recognised it has not come without its drawbacks.

"F1 is pursuing the technology that is most relevant to society, so this power unit is probably one of the most efficient there is in the world,” he said.

“50:50, 50% battery power, that's a lot. And also, as you know, the fuels are CO2-neutral. Biofuels, synthetic fuels, a mixture of that. So it's a CO2-neutral fuel.

"But there's a lot of criticism at the moment as well, because you can see at the last race, they go down the straight, sort of flat out bend, and have to downshift after the bend, whilst they're still on the straight, because their battery power switches off."

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Rosberg: Fans will 'appreciate' battles when they come

Mercedes has won the opening three rounds of the year, enjoying a strong run at the head of the pecking order.

However, Rosberg has backed rival teams to make inroads on the Silver Arrows - and believes fans will come around to the new rules when they do so.

"From a spectator point of view, it's a bit awkward when you're supposed to be going flat out with the highest performing Formula 1 car,” he said.

“Nevertheless, I'm a bit more easygoing on that, because from my point of view, as long as there are great battles, intra-team, and the other teams in the battle.

“Hopefully, Ferrari can use this gap now to close up to Mercedes. McLaren was there already in the last race. 

“So if we get a really cool battle there, then I think all the fans won't mind what the technology is, and will just love and appreciate the racing and the battles."