F1 exit plan Bernie Ecclestone's 'real challenge' says Ferrari boss

Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone needs to finalise a succession plan to ensure he leaves the championship in good health, according to Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne

The 85-year-old said last year that he has been asked to stay on as chief executive by the three parties interested in acquiring a controlling stake in F1.

He also said he was not interested in selling his 5.3 per cent stake in the series.

But Marchionne said: "Ecclestone knows that he is not going to be there forever and maybe this is also connected to the future of FOM.

"The real challenge for Bernie is to get organised.

"He needs to come up with a system where maybe some responsibilities can be developed differently.

"We have a responsibility to deliver a certain level of sound management continuity of Formula 1 with FIA and with FOM.

"So we really need to make the most of Bernie's ability to develop this sport in the best possible way. Believe me it is not easy.

"Bernie is quite a character, but he is a very nice guy and has an incredible strength.

"I don't know what I will do when I'm his age.

"What he has done over the last 10 years is incredible and he's still there."

Marchionne says it is important Ecclestone starts developing a plan for the future that will involve encouraging younger people to take an interest in F1.

"Bernie should pave the way to prepare the future of the F1 world," said Marchionne.

"This age issue is there, so we should ask ourselves: are we appealing to young people?

"This sport has great potential which has not been expressed yet.

"We need to make it entertaining because if everything is predictable, it gets boring.

"We should try to deliver more unpredictability, so to speak, so that results are unpredictable."

shares
comments

Fernando Alonso: McLaren has logical ways to gain 2s for F1 2016

Red Bull believes it will be treading water in F1 in 2016

The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP

The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Alex Kalinauckas

The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP

What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset

What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Jonathan Noble

What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset

Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari?

Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari?

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Matt Kew

Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari? Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari?

Why the growing pains of F1’s cost-cap era require patience

Why the growing pains of F1’s cost-cap era require patience

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Jake Boxall-Legge

Why the growing pains of F1’s cost-cap era require patience Why the growing pains of F1’s cost-cap era require patience

Has F1 gone too far with its sprint race format tweaks?

Has F1 gone too far with its sprint race format tweaks?

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
GP Racing

Has F1 gone too far with its sprint race format tweaks? Has F1 gone too far with its sprint race format tweaks?

The crucial next steps for McLaren on its path to F1 recovery

The crucial next steps for McLaren on its path to F1 recovery

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Alex Kalinuackas

The crucial next steps for McLaren on its path to F1 recovery The crucial next steps for McLaren on its path to F1 recovery

The bigger answer Mercedes needs from its now delayed F1 upgrades

The bigger answer Mercedes needs from its now delayed F1 upgrades

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Jonathan Noble

The bigger answer Mercedes needs from its now delayed F1 upgrades The bigger answer Mercedes needs from its now delayed F1 upgrades

What the lessons of 2013’s mid-year tyre change mean for F1 2023's dominant team

What the lessons of 2013’s mid-year tyre change mean for F1 2023's dominant team

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Emilia Romagna GP
Alex Kalinuackas

What the lessons of 2013’s mid-year tyre change mean for F1 2023's dominant team What the lessons of 2013’s mid-year tyre change mean for F1 2023's dominant team

Subscribe