F1 is a necessity to makes, says Hubbert

Speaking to AUTOSPORT magazine, Jurgen Hubbert suggested that F1 has risen above the 'boom and bust cycles' that blight other categories of motor racing. He even believes that Grand Prix racing is so popular that manufacturers cannot afford to stay on the sidelines.

"The situation has changed dramatically," said Hubbert, who plays a central role in Mercedes-Benz's involvement in F1. "It has become part of the competitiveness in our business. This is one stage where you can show your performance every two weeks - in front of 300 or 400 million people."

Hubbert admits that having just a few makes winning races at one time is a problem, but believes that more will start taking victories in the future.

For more on F1 manufacturers and the threat of them creating a breakaway series, see this week's AUTOSPORT magazine, on sale today (Thursday).