Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe
Autosport Plus

F1 is on course for a fresh civil war

As Formula 1's 2020 moment of truth approaches, expect new political alliances between teams - but rival factions rather than one unified body - and perhaps even tracks and broadcasters. And will Bernie Ecclestone be called into battle again?

Following last week's prognosis that the Formula One Group, F1's new commercial rights holder following Liberty Media's takeover, faces revenue squeezes from teams demanding greater income slices on one side and promoters, partners and broadcasters on the other, senior sources confirmed that the formation of a "modern day FOTA" was under consideration.

Not surprisingly, enquiries kicked off a 'blame game'. Fingers were pointed every which way: independent teams suggested the so-called Constructors' Championship Bonus teams, namely Mercedes, Red Bull Racing, Ferrari and McLaren - which, between them, carve up 65% of revenues and enjoy Strategy Group status - were collectively planning "to protect their positions", as one source phrased it, after the prevailing bilateral contracts expire in 2020.

Previous article Formula 1 should consider active suspension, says Boullier
Next article Renault could reduce size of F1 engine team in France during 2017

More from Dieter Rencken

Vettel: Last Ferrari step back to winning F1 titles will be hardest

Vettel: Last Ferrari step back to winning F1 titles will be hardest

F1 Formula 1
Vettel: Last Ferrari step back to winning F1 titles will be hardest Vettel: Last Ferrari step back to winning F1 titles will be hardest
Revealed: What F1 teams really spent in 2017

Revealed: What F1 teams really spent in 2017

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1
Revealed: What F1 teams really spent in 2017 Revealed: What F1 teams really spent in 2017
Aftermath of Hamilton Baku clash Vettel's 'worst feeling' of 2017

Aftermath of Hamilton Baku clash Vettel's 'worst feeling' of 2017

F1 Formula 1
Aftermath of Hamilton Baku clash Vettel's 'worst feeling' of 2017 Aftermath of Hamilton Baku clash Vettel's 'worst feeling' of 2017
Why F1 is sitting on a timebomb of contradictions

Why F1 is sitting on a timebomb of contradictions

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1
Why F1 is sitting on a timebomb of contradictions Why F1 is sitting on a timebomb of contradictions
Lewis Hamilton hopes Fernando Alonso is in 2018 F1 title fight

Lewis Hamilton hopes Fernando Alonso is in 2018 F1 title fight

F1 Formula 1
Lewis Hamilton hopes Fernando Alonso is in 2018 F1 title fight Lewis Hamilton hopes Fernando Alonso is in 2018 F1 title fight
How teams lost patience with F1's new era

How teams lost patience with F1's new era

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1
How teams lost patience with F1's new era How teams lost patience with F1's new era
Michael Schumacher doubted himself, reveals ex-Ferrari F1 boss Todt

Michael Schumacher doubted himself, reveals ex-Ferrari F1 boss Todt

F1 Formula 1
Michael Schumacher doubted himself, reveals ex-Ferrari F1 boss Todt Michael Schumacher doubted himself, reveals ex-Ferrari F1 boss Todt
Why Todt's reign is eight years longer than planned

Why Todt's reign is eight years longer than planned

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1
Why Todt's reign is eight years longer than planned Why Todt's reign is eight years longer than planned

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe