The scheme, ratified by the FIA this week, will see chasing drivers able to press a button and boost straight-line speed if they are within a designated distance from the car in front, in a bid to improve the chances of overtaking.

But veteran Rubens Barrichello said in Valencia: “I don’t know if I like the idea that the one in front cannot use it and the one behind can.”

Robert Kubica had already voiced his opposition to the plan, and added on Thursday: “I don’t think there is a lot of entertainment in seeing cars overtake each other on a straight.

“To be honest, it’s a bit like a Playstation game when you have nitro or something.”

Mark Webber agreed: “It is good for the Playstation I think. Overtaking moves should be about pressurising, being skilful, and tactical.

“Yes we want to see more overtaking, but we also need to keep the element of skill involved in overtaking and not just hitting buttons, and not an IRL race where you pass each other four times per lap and everyone gets bored of that.”

And Force India’s Adrian Sutil added: “It’s very good for the show, it’s not so good from a driving point of view, because if you defend your position well it doesn’t really matter.”