I guess I'm in the minority, but I enjoyed the late '70s-early '80s era of pit-stop-less F1 better. Not having fuel stops has made it better, but the real sadness is that there are only 2-3 competitive teams a year.
Of course, everything was a lot rawer back then...
If you were able to secure a Ford Cosworth deal. You had a very good chance of scoring points, or even getting a podium finish. Because back then, it was all about the chassis. The Cosworth engine was the great equalizer for the privateers. That is, until the turbo engines and ground effects appeared...
But besides the early 90's, which I still think are some of the most gorgeous F1 cars ever. I'll have to agree. Late 70's-Early 80's: Some great racing, lots of parity amongst the constructors, even the "Garagistas" had a chance of winning. Of course, the sport back then was also a bloodbath. Lots of gruesome leg injuries once the ground effects cars came into play (which moved drivers position on top of the front axle). And that's also the era where we lost both Ronnie Peterson and Gilles Villeneuve.
Yet it sometimes seems that the inherent respect amongst drivers back then, because of the risks involved, just doesnt exist within the grid today. I'd think a driver like Pastor Maldonado wouldn't have his superlicense for very long back then. Or would probably even be alive after a season or two.
BTW, that Sauber C34's livery absolutely reeks of Felipe Nasr's sponsorship money he's bringing in. It's really sad to see Sauber in their current state. They deserve better, IMHO. I really hope they're going to be able to score some points this season.