As F1 heads to a new era of faster cars in 2017, Prost thinks there should have been more thought given to the ingredients that can help shake up the order on race days.

And one way he thinks it could be done is through total freedom of tyre choices – so that smaller outfits may be able to get huge benefits by taking gambles with which rubber they run.

“I would have loved to have changed the rules to permit the average team, smaller teams, sometimes to have a chance that if they do a better job to be at the top,” explained Prost.

“You can only do that with less aero and more mechanical grip – because then there is the possibility to have a different strategy. There is the chance for teams to work on the mechanical grip side.”

With F1 having already opened up tyre choices a little this year, Prost thinks even more could be done – even by easing restrictions on teams being required to run the same compound at the front and rear.

“Maybe choose some different tyres, and having complete freedom on the tyres,” he said. “Leave the flexibility up to the teams – even with soft tyres on the front and stiff at the back.

“Then sometimes you will see an average [sized] team like Force India, who do a good job, they can set up the car for a different management of tyres compared to the top teams, who cannot do it because they are more mindful of the competition.

“Then you could have surprises. But you will only be able to do that with less downforce and different tyres.”

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