Ecclestone must intervene for peace between FIA and FOTA

Bernie Ecclestone, the chief financial officer of Formula 1, has been urgently called to negotiate an agreement that would ease tensions between the teams and the FIA. The FOTA, which includes the directors of eight teams, is threatening to create its own championship.

It’s a real shockwave that shook the F1 world on Thursday evening when FOTA announced the creation of a new series alongside Formula 1 and its governing bodies.

With an F1 that finds itself in the same situation as Champ Car in the United States a few months ago, former world champion Jackie Stewart believes that Ecclestone must play a role in resolving the situation. It is true that the Briton has remained on the sidelines of the conflict that mainly pitted the FIA against the FOTA. However, Formula One Management has often been singled out.

« Bernie [Ecclestone] must now intervene, because after all, he holds the commercial rights. I’m sure he doesn’t want another group, as this could seriously threaten F1. »

Bernie knows how to sort things out; he has been very successful in F1. The sport itself is a success. So, he needs to play a relatively important role over the next two or three days.

« But frankly, now that the teams have made their decision, I don’t think it’s necessarily something to talk about this weekend. I think they should wait until after the British Grand Prix, as it is one of the biggest events on the calendar. »

« It is very important for the world championship leaders to consolidate their position and I believe that discussing it on Monday or Tuesday would be the best solution, » said Stewart.

Ecclestone therefore has a crucial role to play in the events. Sources close to the FOTA suggest that the organization would not be opposed to him playing a role in its new championship.

However, on Friday morning, the 78-year-old man dodged questions from the media about the current situation.

You should see with Max [Mosley], Ecclestone let slip.

Now, the latest rumors suggest that the FIA president, Max Mosley, might resign, which would calm tensions. Whatever happens, his term ends in October, but that seems like an eternity for FOTA.

An announcement regarding its intentions could be made as early as next week, with the World Motor Sport Council meeting on Wednesday.