Bernie Ecclestone has responded to the open letter written by the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association yesterday, agreeing that the sport’s decision-making process is “obsolete and ill-structured”.
The 85-year-old’s open letter comes amid an ongoing debate regarding the recent amendments to the rules of qualifying, along with widespread criticism regarding Formula 1’s broadcasting rights in the UK.
This new TV deal will mean Sky Sports will remain the home of Formula 1 until 2024, therefore ending live free-to-air coverage in the UK after the conclusion of Channel 4’s current deal in 2018.
Yesterday the GPDA urged the owners and all stakeholders of Formula 1 to consider restructuring its own governance, stating that the several recent rule changes – most notably qualifying – have been disruptive.
Ecclestone has agreed with the GPDA with regards to the decision-making progress in the sport, but has requested the drivers to respond with their own ideas on how to improve the current situation in F1.
"It is easy to analyse what is wrong so why not think and come back on this,” read Ecclestone’s comments.
“At least it is better to think before you wish.”
Bernie Ecclestone’s full statement:
Dear Gentlemen,
I am not sure if this is the right description. It is not always easy to agree with you but you are correct in stating that the decision making process in the sport is obsolete and ill-structured.
We must as you have stated urge the owners and all stakeholders of Formula 1 to consider restructuring its own governance.
It is easy to analyse what is wrong so why not think and come back on this. At least it is better to think before you wish.
I have been in Formula 1 for nearly fifty years in an active role and another eighteen involved in some way. You state that evert individual acts with the very best intentions. I am not sure if this is a misprint. If not, it should read “wish their very best intentions”.
Best wishes, Bernie
