Bernie Ecclestone has pointed his finger squarely at Toto Wolff for Formula 1’s current problems, which include falling viewing figures, waning interest and financial concerns up and down the grid.
The 84-year-old believes much of it can be blamed on F1’s new hybrid-V6 power units and Wolff’s refusal to consider returning to the previous V8 specification.
Wolff is adamant that the new hybrid engines, which are quieter and use less fuel, are important to Mercedes and it’s involvement would therefore be threatened if the sport were to return to V8 power.
“I will not watch Formula 1 destroy itself because some people made a mistake,” he told Sport Bild, referencing the decision to introduce the new engine formula.
“The fans want the volume, the teams want the low cost – and even the racing was better,” he added.
“Usually, you can make up for your mistakes. But we are not even trying. We are sitting and waiting for F1 to disappear.”
Ecclestone made it clear who he believes is to blame and says he will take action to avoid the sport being “destroyed out of pure selfishness”.
“Toto can have a lovely inscription on his gravestone that says: ‘I helped to kill Formula 1’. He did not do it alone, but he helped.
“I will try to intervene and convince the FIA, and if certain people complain, let them complain. I guarantee that we will win. After 50 years of work, I will not allow F1 to be destroyed out of pure selfishness.”
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