Smaller F1 teams plotting response to cost crisis

Although the demise of the Marussia and Caterham teams has thrust F1's financial problems into the spotlight, it does not appear to have prompted any hint of willingness to make changes from Bernie Ecclestone or top teams.

The midfield squads' anger has mounted over the United States Grand Prix weekend with top teams having made clear in press conferences that they see little reason to do anything in response to the events of recent weeks.

The growing prospect of no action being taken has left Force India, Lotus and Sauber deeply upset, and these teams are on the verge of revealing a plan to force the issue with the FIA and Bernie Ecclestone, without hurting their own businesses.

It is unclear exactly what they plan to do, but sources suggest that all avenues will be pursued to try to make it clear to the big teams and sport's leaders that action is needed to prevent F1 destroying itself.

Force India's deputy team principal Bob Fernley said that the anger of the teams about the fact that F1's chiefs were not responding to their fears for the future meant they had to hit back.

"There has to be things that bring it to some sort of conclusion, and dialogue opening up," he said.

"Whatever happens in F1, as we stand here today, it has to change. Nobody is coming to us saying we have to protect you."

When asked if going as far as a race boycott of any of the final three races of the season was an option, Fernley said: "Nothing is off the table.

"Everything and anything is possible. But the team owners need to sit down themselves and decide what action they need to take - and make sure that everyone is informed properly."

Although well aware that any move to disrupt the Austin race could cause big damage to F1 in the United States, as well as hit their own competitive ambitions, he was equally keen to point out that the sport's actions were hurting the teams.

"This is the last thing we want to do...there is no question of that," he said.

"You have three owners here that are passionate about racing, and that have supported F1 for many, many years in different formats.

"The last thing they want to do is damage it. But at the moment F1 is damaging them big time: the silence is deafening from people reaching out to help."