Ross Brawn says Formula 1 chiefs are acutely aware of the need for change in the sport, quipping that Mercedes could clinch the 2019 title by Monza in September.
Mercedes has remained atop the pile through Formula 1’s hybrid era and is in the midst of a 10-event unbeaten spell, stretching back to last year’s Brazilian Grand Prix, and now holds a 140-point lead over Ferrari in the standings.
The processional nature of the French Grand Prix raised further questions about the future of the sport, with victor Lewis Hamilton expanding on his feelings post-race.
Brawn concurred with the overriding view of the situation, explaining: “We’ve been saying for a long time that there is a need for change and the numbers don’t lie.
“After the French Grand Prix, the eighth race of the season, the seven teams classified from fourth to 10th place in the Constructors’ Championship have amassed a total of 143 points, less than half the amount accumulated by Mercedes and just six more than the total amassed by third-placed Red Bull.
“At Paul Ricard just five drivers avoided being lapped by Hamilton and only one of them, Carlos Sainz, doesn’t drive for one of the three top teams.
“If Mercedes keeps up this pace it could seal the Constructors’ Championship by Monza, with a third of the season still left!
“Let’s be clear: Lewis, Valtteri [Bottas] and Mercedes are not to blame for a season verging on perfection, and it should be obvious that the rule changes we want to introduce are not directed against a team that is rewriting the record books.
“But we must all understand that the sport we love needs more competition, so that other teams can also aspire to podium finishes and it is not just a few powerful teams that dominate.”
Brawn also welcomed Hamilton’s comments on the state of the sport.
“I’m happy Lewis has confirmed his willingness to make his own contribution in the coming months, and we can’t wait to work with him, particularly in each of the three meetings now scheduled,” said Brawn.
“We know well that Formula 1 needs to make an important change in direction if it wants to maintain its position as one of the most followed sporting spectacles in the world.
“All of the key stakeholders – ourselves, the FIA and the teams – agree on the objectives and there is broad agreement on the major principles, such as the introduction of the budget cap and a fairer distribution of the revenue, while on the technical aspects we, and the FIA, have worked together with engineers from all the teams.
“It will be great to have an input directly from the drivers.”
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