Jeremy Clarkson and Martin Brundle in social media row after controversial new idea to 'fix' F1

Jeremy Clarkson and Martin Brundle have been involved in a back-and-forth on social media following the Japanese Grand Prix.

The race itself, which was won by Red Bull's Max Verstappen, was hardly one for the archives, with only 15 overtakes taking place after lap one.

In addition, 11 of the 20 drivers finished exactly where they started.

Verstappen and the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were split by around two seconds for the entirety of the second and final 30-lap stint.

But there was never any realistic prospect of an overtake due to the nature of the final corner chicane and a sole short DRS section on the main straight.

Piastri would often find himself around seven tenths behind Norris heading out of the final corner, which wasn't close enough to attempt a pass.

The less-than-exciting race was largely blamed on the current width of the cars, with significant regulation changes due to be brought in from next season to aid overtaking.

Former Top Gear presenter Clarkson had another view on the situation, writing on Twitter this Monday: "I've had an idea to make F1 racing more consistently exciting. Don't use tracks where overtaking is difficult."

In response to a fan who suggested that the cars were also the problem, Clarkson agreed: "Sure. The cars are bigger so accept that, ignore the 'incentives', and use tracks that are suitable. Ultimately, the revenue comes from fans. Always."

Sky Sports commentator Brundle, who was absent from the Grand Prix at Suzuka, then got involved in the debate - and does not think the tracks are the issue.

Image: Twitter/@MBrundleF1

"Jezza it's a bit like a harvest, sometimes you have to be patient," he began.

"From four starts this season we've had four different winners. Some football matches are nil-nil. Some are last minute 5-4 thrillers. That's sport. I know you love F1 really. Change the cars, not the tracks."

Clarkson replied: "Agree of course. But there are no football pitches which virtually guarantee a 0-0 draw."

The fourth Formula 1 race of the season, the Bahrain Grand Prix, takes place at the Bahrain International Circuit on Sunday.