Ferrari Chair Sergio Marchionne "fired a warning" at Formula 1 execs that the team "could lead others out of the sport" if it becomes too much like NASCAR, with the direction change planned under Liberty Media "still threatening the future of F1," according to Jack de Menezes of the London INDEPENDENT. The Italian manufacturer has made its "unhappiness" with the proposed rule changes from '21 "abundantly clear in recent weeks." Marchionne reiterated his point ahead of the team's Christmas lunch, but for the first time under the current talks, he "warned that Ferrari could also talk other teams into leaving with them to form a new breakaway series." Marchionne said, "We are not interested in making cars all the same and simple and cheap engines like NASCAR. If anything, the real problem is that there is no overtaking and F1 needs more exciting races. Otherwise Ferrari will leave. If they believe that we are bluffing, they are playing with fire" (INDEPENDENT, 12/19). REUTERS' Alan Baldwin reported Marchionne said that Liberty Media was "learning the ropes." He "took issue," however, with the approach taken by former Ferrari technical director and current F1 Managing Dir Ross Brawn. Marchionne: "The thing that most annoys me is that there is an experienced man like Ross Brown there who is looking for ways that go against the DNA of Formula 1." He added, "I think that Ferrari has the strength to drag others as well to an alternative championship" (REUTERS, 12/19). SKY SPORTS' James Galloway reported although Marchionne said that finding an agreement to stay in F1 is his "priority," he also "floated the spectre" of Ferrari, the only team to compete in F1 since the world championship's inaugural year of '50, racing elsewhere. He said, "The conditions for thinking about an alternative championship from 2021 would be there, but, I repeat, that's not our goal" (SKY SPORTS, 12/19).
ECCLESTONE NOT IMPRESSED: GMM reported former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone is "not exactly impressed" with Liberty Media and F1's "most famous team," Ferrari. Liberty Media is currently working with manufacturers -- and facing pushback -- about the engine rules for '21, and Ecclestone said that the "only way to run the sport is as a dictator." Ecclestone said, "Democracy has no place in Formula 1. The new owners will soon realize this, because so far they have achieved nothing." Ecclestone "also slammed Ferrari." He said, "That old game. If they don't win, there is usually panic" (GMM, 12/18).
