Unfit drivers will be "found out" in 2017

This year's cars are expected to be around five seconds per lap quicker than existing grand prix machinery, with higher downforce set to make the cars more physical to drive.

That is why Renault driver Palmer reckons the new cars will put drivers to the test, and highlight who has not been in the gym enough.

"I can see it making a difference. We don't really know exactly the performance next year. We know the numbers, but we don't know what the tyres are going to do," said Palmer.

"If it is what we think, then I think it will show early on who has been in the gym over the winter and who hasn't. If drivers aren't in the gym this winter they will be found out.

"It is quick. It is clearly much quicker than we are racing now, it will be a challenge to drive. Physical as well, I think it will be really exciting."

Palmer is unsure if the new cars will make the racing more exciting, but he admits it is impossible to tell until they go racing again.

"It depends. Maybe you can stay flat through Eau Rouge when you are following someone and then get a massive tow. Maybe the slipstream effect will be more without DRS. We don't know until we hit the track," he said.

"You can look back and see what cars had a lot of aero it was quite difficult to follow, thinking 2007/2008, they didn't have DRS and they were still overtaking.

"Some of the slipstreams were massive and at the moment we are not getting much, so there will be a double effect. We will only properly know in Melbourne next year I think.

"I think the cars going quicker [this] year will generally be a bigger challenger, but there will be some corners that will be less of a challenge because they will be flat."