Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says Formula One fans should be excited by the "violent" new cars which have been introduced for the new season.

F1's wider, faster new cars were unleashed at Barcelona's pre-season tests and immediately delivered a huge drop in lap times, achieving the five-second drop predicted coming into 2017. As well as radically lowering lap times the rules also intended to make F1 cars more of a challenge for its drivers.

Wolff thinks the new rules have done just that and should help create a memorable era in the sport.

"The target with these new regulations was to make this generation of F1 cars the quickest in the history of the sport," Wolff said. "And looking at the results from testing, we're well on the way to achieving that. It's something that's never been done before and that's a radical change. We've even made them look more spectacular.

"Having spoken to the drivers, these machines are violent -- just like Formula One cars should be. I have been out on track watching them and, next to the previous generation of cars, these are properly spectacular cars. From a fan perspective - and a part of me will always be a fan - it really is something special. Any true motorsport lover simply has to see them in the flesh."

Lewis Hamilton is joined by new teammate Valtteri Bottas for the new season following Nico Rosberg's decision to retire after winning the 2016 world championship. Wolff is confident both men are ready to embrace their new partnership and new cars with equal gusto.

"Lewis and Valtteri are in a great place. They have a respectful and friendly relationship from what we've seen in our team briefings so far. It's an exciting time for them because these new cars are a real physical challenge. Both felt from testing that the G-Forces are enormous and they are embracing the new challenge of F1 2017."