McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown says Formula 1 at times resembled a “pantomime audition” in 2021, due to antics of rival team bosses, and has called for reform to the overall structure.
Formula 1’s 2021 title battle was only decided on the final lap of a season that was dogged by controversy and which remains subject to an ongoing review by governing body the FIA.
Brown believes the fallout in Abu Dhabi can be attributed to “systemic issues” that need addressing for the long-term health of the FIA and Formula 1.
“The election of Mohammed Ben Sulayem last December as the new president of the FIA provides the opportunity for collective reform of the way Formula 1 operates,” Brown wrote on McLaren’s website.
“It is obvious to focus on the events of Abu Dhabi at the end of last season, which are the subject of an FIA investigation, but this was a symptom rather than cause in my view.
“There have been systemic issues around alignment and clarity on who makes the rules – the FIA or the teams – that have manifested themselves in the past couple of years, at times in a high-profile way.
“The signs of organisational difficulties could be seen at the 2020 Australian Grand Prix and at last year’s Belgian Grand Prix, both hallmarked by a seeming lack of preparation for the events unfolding and temporary inertia on the solutions.
“Greater clarity on the roles of the FIA and F1 and the need for increased leadership of the sport will undoubtedly be on the agenda for Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Stefano Domenicali and their respective teams.”
Brown went on to suggest that following the sport’s “reset” since Liberty Media’s acquisition in 2017, in which teams played a role, Formula 1 needs to “shift back to stronger and more directive leadership and governance at the top.”
While not specifically naming any individuals Brown aimed particular ire towards team bosses who he feels have exerted undue influence on senior officials and in the process impacted on Formula 1’s image.
“No one is happy with the inconsistency in the policing of the regulations, but which has been habitually exploited by teams for competitive advantage,” Brown said.
“I have said before that the teams have too much power and it needs to be reduced.
“We have a significant role in the drafting of the regulations and governance of Formula 1 and that influence is not always driven by what is best overall for the sport.
“Yes, teams should be consulted, and their informed perspectives considered, particularly on long-term strategic issues.
“But at times it has seemed the sport is governed by certain teams. Let us not forget that we, the teams, have contributed to the inconsistencies in the policing of the regulations as much as anyone.
“It is the teams who applied the pressure to avoid finishing races under a Safety Car at all costs. It is the teams who voted for many of the regulations they have complained about.
“It is the teams who have been using the broadcasting of radio messages to the race director to try to influence penalties and race outcomes, to the point where an over-excited team principal plays to the gallery and pressurises race officials.
“This has not been edifying for F1. At times it’s felt like a pantomime audition rather than the pinnacle of a global sport.”
Fans and McLaren shareholders should urge this clown to step down from McLaren. The pending McLaren acquisition by VAG cannot come soon enough.