Jenson Button believes Formula 1 is delivering more for fans and drivers in 2017 following the overhaul of regulations.
The 2009 world champion has had an unexpected chance to sample 2017-spec machinery on track in Monaco this weekend after being called up to cover for Fernando Alonso.
And, having watched the action from the opening five rounds on TV as a spectator for the first time this century, Button revealed he has been enjoying the fights at the front.
"This year has been fantastic with Ferrari and Mercedes," he told Sky Sports F1's Martin Brundle in an interview shown in the Monaco GP Race Day show on Sky F1.
"They have given so much to the fans this year. It's a very special year for Formula 1 and hopefully that's going to continue with those guys.
"To see the fighting at the front it makes such a difference. When it's one team it is so boring. Now we've got two teams, suddenly people are like 'Formula 1's on TV!' 'There are two people and four teams fighting for a win!' It's exactly what it should be."
Despite the disappointment of a 15-place grid penalty for engine element changes meaning he starts Sunday's race from the pit lane instead of where he qualified, ninth, Button says he has enjoyed his one-off return and the challenge of driving 2017's significantly faster cars.
"I was a little disappointed when I heard about the new regulations in terms of the weight of the car going up," he told reporters on Saturday evening. "Weight is so important for a Formula 1 car, but this is the toughest circuit for a heavy car and it is very nimble around here.
"It's so much fun to drive and Formula 1 has definitely moved in the right direction with the new regulations."
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