Charlie Whiting has defended Formula 1's regulations, declaring that the biggest issue for the sport is in fact the competitiveness of the midfield teams.

Many teams and drivers rounded out 2017 by declaring that while the new cars were faster, they also meant overtaking was more difficult.

"The wider cars look great and they've given us more grip, but when they take up more space on the track you have less clean air so it does make following harder," said Daniel Ricciardo.

F1 race director Whiting does not agree with that assessment.

"I don't think closer racing is the issue, and I don't think the cars are the problem," he told the New York Times.

"The biggest problem we've had this year is that it's clear the big three teams - if you want to call them that - in Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull are significantly quicker than the rest.

"I don't think the racing has been bad, it's just that some have done a significantly better job than others, which is nothing new in Formula 1."

The first grand prix of 2018 takes place in Melbourne on March 25.