Ecclestone proposes blueprint for F1 revival

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AFP Spielberg (Austria)
Last Updated : Jun 27 2019 | 9:55 PM IST

Former ring-master Bernie Ecclestone would bring back refuelling, give all teams the same engine and introduce a new third world championship category to revive Formula One's flagging appeal.

Ecclestone, who was the sport's commercial boss and greatest influence for more than four decades, responded to claims that the sport has been reducted to a Mercedes procession, with Ferrari challenging, has become a 'turn-off' for fans.

The sense that Formula One's image was becoming tarnished by the predictability of Mercedes domination and Lewis Hamilton's supremacy in the drivers' championship came to a head at last weekend's French Grand Prix where Hamilton won with ease ahead of Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas.

On top of that, Mercedes have won the drivers' and constructors' double every season since the start of the current V6 hybrid turbo era.

That translates as five double titles in a row, an achievement that has been followed this season by the decline of their rivals -- Ferrari struggling to fight for a win and Red Bull reduced to two podiums in eight outings.

Mercedes have reeled off a record eight season-opening wins in a row and stretched their winning streak overall to 10 races.

In support of comments made last weekend, by Hamilton, Ecclestone agreed that any revamp should be managed without any involvement from the current contestants.

"Firstly, I wouldn't be talking to the teams," said Ecclestone.

"It's like having a committee -- and you don't need that when making decisions like this.

"I would be saying: We're going to have two championships. They're both world championships -- one is the Constructors' World Championship and the other is the Teams' World Championship.

"The Drivers' World Championship would not be affected in any way."
- Byegone years -
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"If Ferrari want to stop, they can stop. Or they can join the team people if they want to. The choice is theirs."

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

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First Published: Jun 27 2019 | 9:55 PM IST

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