Former world champion Nico Rosberg has called upon Formula One chiefs to revive the use of ground-effect aerodynamics in the sport, believing that it would increase competitiveness and better the spectacle of racing. 

The increased reliance upon downforce in recent times has seen speed and lap times improve, but has lessened opportunities for overtaking as drivers struggle to stay close to each other. 

Rosberg conceived the suggestion as both he and and his father Keke took part in a demonstration run in Monaco last weekend - where the elder Rosberg drove the Williams car in which he won the 1982 world championship.

"I was looking at my dad’s car and it’s all ground effect...The aerodynamics are under the car. They could follow each other in the gearbox all the time," said the 32-year-old, who retired from the sport in December 2016. 

"They have to go into that sort of direction, and hopefully they’ll manage [it by] 2021 at latest. Because that what’s we all need, for the fun.

"It’s the cost and the overtaking. The aerodynamics are just too much so it’s as hard as ever to follow and that is such a pity. Sometimes a guy is so much faster, but he just can’t get close. That’s the key, because that’s entertaining. If we see battles, that’s awesome.”

Rosberg claimed his sole world championship in 2016 - the same year as F1 owners Liberty Media assumed control of the sport - and the German praised the sometimes-controversial group for their commitment to innovation during their time in charge.

"They are doing a good job because Liberty knows what entertainment is about. They really try to bring all that in and try to bring the young people in in different ways and that’s a great approach."

Liberty Media are currently in the process of overhauling several of the sports rules and regulations, with the aim of seeing cars which are simpler and easier to race with. Great emphasis is also being placed upon team budgets in the hope that a tighter budget cap would offer a more level playing field within the sport.

"We need to see battles, fighting and touching wheels. That is one of the biggest problems because it’s as difficult as ever," insisted Rosberg. "Unfortunately, at the moment it is not at the right place, and then the costs [need changing] to give more opportunities to the middle teams to have some success."

It should be noted that ground-effect aerodynamics were formally suggested as part of the F1 ruleset back in 2017, but larger wings were instead adopted. Rosberg - and supporters of his suggestion - will be hoping that the matter is revisited during the coming months.