Press Release From LeMans: Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo believes there are now only two possibilities to end the current row over Formula 1 - either the FIA reforms itself or the manufacturers lead their own breakaway series. With tensions high between the governing body and the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) following the publication of the 2010 entry list on Friday, di Montezemolo has made it clear that the teams are not in the mood to back down over how they want to see the sport run. Speaking during a high profile visit to the Le Mans 24 Hours on Saturday to members of the international press, di Montezemolo said he had no doubts that the controversy would be sorted out soon - although could not predict which way things would go. "In a couple of years the problem with Formula 1 will be solved - as I really hope, with a responsible FIA, as we want, or, as happens in other sports, organising our own championship. Because when you have engines, gearboxes, brands, technology, organisation, capability to invest, it is not difficult. So the problem will be solved, I hope very soon." Di Montezemolo admitted that he has been saddened by the state that he thinks F1 is in - but has hopes that some factions in the FIA can act to prevent the sport getting 'destroyed.' "We cannot repeat every day that we will not enter the next Formula 1 championship with these rules and without taking care of the Ferrari rights. Having said that, today I don't like very much to talk about F1 because here the atmosphere is a happy one. "I hope that we will solve our problems because for me, I started to work as Ferrari team manager in 1973. We are the only car manufacturer to have been in Formula 1 since the beginning, without any interruptions, and Formula 1 for Ferrari is part of the life, the blood, the DNA. "I am not happy. We are not happy. We are very unhappy with the situation as it is, mainly for the public, for the spectators. We don't want Formula 1 to become Formula 3. "We want not only to maintain but also to improve the F1 DNA, technology, innovation, and competition. We want to cap in a very important way the cost, because everybody has been too far, and I think FOTA has done a strong demonstration to be able to cut costs in 2009 for 50 per cent more of the general cost for engine and gearbox." He added: "We will continue in this direction. We are together and we want to find a solution, and I am sure that inside the FIA there will be people responsible enough to understand that now it is absolutely necessary not to create trouble, to destroy Formula 1, but to solve the problem." FOTA issued a statement on Friday afternoon saying it was being forced in the next few days to reveal its plans for the future of F1 so it could prove why the FIA's own regulations are 'bad' for the sport's future. Di Montezemolo emphasised that he believed FOTA's intentions were only for the good of F1. "Everybody sees what is happening in Formula 1. I do not understand the reason," he said. "Anyway I think our conditions are constructive, are very clear: governance, stable rules - the people don't understand any more rules that change every six months, one day it's KERS, another day it's standard engines – and looking ahead to have a balance between cost and revenues, to let new commerce enter. "I'm very pleased to have new teams, and when I say teams I mean Formula 1 not Formula 3." When asked if a Le Mans project was a possible replacement for racing in F1, di Montezemolo said: "I don't think it is possible to compete at the maximum level, I mean to try to win in too many series. I think there is Formula 1, there is racing like Le Mans, and racing in the United States which is extremely challenging – as I mentioned before, Indy or something like this. "Our intention is to continue to participate in Formula 1 if there are the conditions. If not, as I say to our tifosi all around the world who have been in touch with us on our internet in an unbelievable way, the DNA of Ferrari is competition. If we stop in F1 we will do something else, and for sure Le Mans will be one of our first priorities."
Its going to be great to see them all pull the plug on a series that has been spoiled to the core by a Nazi that wont listen to reason. This man is on a power trip and I hope he drowns himself in a toilet full of himself. I would love to see his face next Friday.
The idea of the major F1 constructors, especially Ferrari, back full-on into LeMans/sports cars just makes me giddy with glee.
Good for Luca. I don't believe all the junk about "oh this is just a non-event, it will all be worked out, no question". This time, it's not that easy. The FIA and teams have lots of battles over the years, but this time there is a lot more going on. The economy changes everything, and we've never had as dire an economy in the history of F1. That, combined with Max's BS, have created a perfect storm that could mean that this time, it really does break apart. I think Luca is being honest when he says "FOTA way, or the highway". I think he really means that. And I hope he does. It's not just about money, and it's not even mostly about money. It is mostly about governance. The teams are sick of Max (mostly) and Bernie (partly) dictating their whims to multi-billion dollar corporations. Max is a nothing, a pissant who is ought not to be in a position of dictating terms to F1 teams. It has gone on far too long, and they are sick and tired of it. Max cannot be trusted. He is a serial liar. He has lied numerous times about when he will stand down. He has lied numerous times about various rule and cost cutting items. He cannot be trusted. So his offer to come back into the fold and work with the FIA just won't happen. The teams aren't that dumb. And the teams are right... they put on the show, they know better than anyone how to control costs, they should have most of the say in how the rules are made. Max has imposed idiotic things like changing from V10's to V8's. Changing to slicks, then to tread, then back to slicks. Banning refueling, allowing refueling, then banning it again. Allowing various aero, banning it, then allowing it again. He makes F1 his own personal little playground and has so much hubris that he belives the teams will do anything and everything to stay in his Formula1 series. But he's grown arrogant and presumptuous and drunk with perceived power. I think he really has pushed the teams too far this time. I really think if he tries to "rule with an iron fist", he's going to lose. The teams will go and start their own series. And it will be the "real" Formula 1. Nobody is going to care about F1 if Ferrari, McLaren, Renault, Toyota and the others are in F-Real or whatever it's called. Furthermore, what's to stop the breakaway series from luring Williams and Force India over to their site? Nothing really. I'm sure if it happens, there would likely be some consolidation in the future, much like IRL and CART, but in the interim, the FIA would grow weak and the breakaway would grow strong. Like I said, it really isn't about money - it is about governance. And that's why this is such a mess. Money can be worked out, but Max is NEVER going to relinquish power, and the teams will stand for nothing less. It's an impasse. There is no solution other than the teams capitulating or Max moving aside or allowing himself to be rendered impotent. Max has absolutely no realization fo the seriousness of this situation if he thinks merely saying "come back into the fold, sign up unconditionally, then trust me to make nice rules you will like" is anything resembling a solution. Max can talk about compromises on budget caps all he wants... that's a non-issue. It is a no-brainer that they can come up with some numbers. They all want to save money, and just have different ideas about how to do it. The bigger issue is governance. Max simply will not relinquish control. Even if Bernie tries to pull it together (as I am sure he is trying to do, considering he'd be happy to run with the FOTA guys if he could)... but Max is never, ever, ever going to be magnanimous and put the sport above his own interests. He never intended to stand down this year, and the power of his position is all he has, he'll never give it up. Max either has to roll over like a submissive puppy, or the FOTA teams are leaving.. there is no other solution. And it ain't about money!
Other than sign unconditionally and then we'll talk Max hasn't offered much in the way of compromise. IMO ditching the two tiered system (that he proposed and no one but he supported) isn't yielding anything. It seems that either he is as autocratic as some suggest or he's afraid to show any weakness lest his authority should crumble. In any case it looks like the knives are really out and the lines have been drawn. Absent a legitimate peace maker (Bernie? Jimmy Carter? ) we may be looking at a melt down. "May you live in interesting times" indeed.
Its not just about the rule changes ect ect. For Ferrari I know its about getting rid of Max. There may be other teams with the same feelings but Ferrari wants him gone.
At this point hasn't the discussion gotten to the point where Max has to justify his continuing as head of the FIA?
I said before, and I think it is even more true now, that one of the three sides is going to lose in a big way, while the other two get what they want. Several folks say this is not a big deal, and it is just negotiation, and will all be worked out - I disagree. I think this is a big deal, and isn't just a money squabble. I think the side that will be left out is Max. I have no doubt FOTA and FOM can work it out... it's just a question of a dollar amount and burying the hatchet on lawsuit threats and such - no big deal. But with the FIA, it is much more dire. I don't see how Max can continue. FOTA has him on the ropes. His term is up later this year, and while the FOTA teams are out of F1, how could he possibly be re-elected? I don't think there would be enough podunk equal-vote countries who could be bribed to vote his way to keep him in his position. And if he gets ousted, all it takes is a reconciliatory tone from the next guy (likely someone like Todt) and they all come back into the fold. FOTA has time on their side. FIA does not. The FOTA know this, as does Max, which is why he is doing everything he can to push the FOTA teams and force them to re-sign with the FIA. But they aren't going to. They are going to demand either appropriate governance and rules for '10 and beyond, or they aren't going to sign. They will sign with Max in charge, but only if he agrees to render himself impotent. He'll never do that. So, it will just continue to be a war of words, and quietly, in the background, FOTA knows they have Max on the ropes. The worst he can do to FOTA is to tell the FOTA teams they are out, and let all the pissant teams in... then he gets voted out, and a new FIA president comes in, and allows the FOTA teams back. Ok, maybe there are 22 teams in F1... no problem... they just implement a 107% rule again and 8-10 of those teams will bow out. Problem solved. FOTA has all the time in the world. Max's false deadline of next week is irrelevant... he (and the FIA) makes the rules up as he goes. His claim that F1 will proceed without any of the big guys is silly. It's a false claim and everyone knows it. He's toast. FOTA just sits back and stays resolute, and they will necessarily get their way, because there is no F1 without them. Max's last attempt to crack FOTA apart by including some of them on the entry list has already failed.... FOTA is united. Max is utterly screwed. I love it.
Very good post and I echo a lot of your sentiments, when one looks back at all the stupid rule changes Max has made, what has the main aim, safety maybe but the over riding aim seems to have been to generate more money. Its about time the teams stood up and made their voices heard. I really do hope Luca is serious.
He he I love it to agreed I just found this on my hols on a sunny isle the credit crunch is effecting him and he hasn't much work on, so I asked him to help us F1 fans out and hasten Porno-Mosley's exit. Er we can all chip in he is a bit rusty but it should do the trick with a bit of oil... Image Unavailable, Please Login
+1000! How anyone can support Max is beyond me. IMO, his personal life can be brought into his professional life because of how many parallels there are. His power hungry antics with hookers and his ability to lie for years to his family shows what type of an individual he is and directly reflects how he has and will continue to conduct himself in business and F1. Part of me feels sorry for him...but he has done this to himself. This sport desperately needs him to disappear.
Glad to see you're making friends . Although I think that it always comes down to money I can't disagree with Mike. Max has painted himself into a corner and at this point his removal is the simplest resolution. Of course reason is not always a good predictor in the world of F!. I'm just hoping that avarice is.
+1000 only a tiny flaw there Clint, I do not in the slightest bit feel sorry for him, to me he is one of the most foul, disgusting, immoral, lying corrupt dictator, and a complete failed nobody that I have ever known. He must get a kick out of being hated, well he likes getting thrashed so it makes sense I suppose. I really don't know how he has lasted this long just wish this had happened alot sooner, F1 would now have been in much better shape. Taking on the Vatican was a step to far, bit like the Battle of Stalingrad WW2.
Thanks Dave. Well you wouldn't come so I got desperate ... Well at the end of the day if Max survives this intact with his goals in place, I will give up really.
Mebbe Ferrari should do Indycar. Maybe FOTA should ALL do Indycar. That would bust Nascar's hold on American car racing once and for all..
