Four-time F1 World Champion Alain Prost believes the sport's current state of affairs is being exaggerated, while also acknowledging that change is necessary.
"Formula 1 as a product is not so bad," said the Frenchman.
"People complain constantly about Mercedes dominating, but hasn't this always been the case in F1?"
Prost also underlines the role played by the media in generating negative feedback and the ensuing adverse perception.
"The journalists always pick out one thing and criticise it, as everyone has their own opinion. But this is very bad, because from the outside if then appears as if everything is wrong.
"It is far from that. The situation in F1 is more positive than it seems, even if we do need to analyze and adapt some things."
However, Prost did express his doubts regarding the benefits of changing F1's qualifying format, and is still not convinced the adjustments will come into full effect in spite of the Motor Sport Council giving the new format a green light.
"I hope the changes don't come. I don't want to criticise something that I don't have a complete picture of.
"It seems that everybody wants to change something in F1, but if you change in only one area, it does little for the whole package."
FULL REPORT: Vettel ensures Ferrari ends testing on top
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Formula 1 is gearing up for a new digital era in the United States –…
Carlos Sainz has lifted the lid on a private paddock conversation he enjoyed with Fernando…
Christian Horner has offered a revealing look back at his dramatic exit from Red Bull…
Alain Prost follows Niki Lauda by just two days on the February birthday calendar, the…
Sergio Perez’s Formula 1 comeback with Cadillac is already under the microscope – and he…
After pre-season testing in Bahrain gave F1’s drivers their first real taste of the sport’s…