06/04/2014
NEWS STORY
Whilst admitting that the new regulations for 2014 are "unacceptable" need to be addressed, Bernie Ecclestone insists that championship leaders Mercedes will not suffer.
The Briton, who has always been against a majority of the new rules is under increasing pressure from teams, manufacturers and circuit bosses. While the original debate centred on noise, since then virtually the entire rule package has come under fire from some quarters, while others claim that there is nothing wrong.
As seen last year, when changes to the tyre compounds mid-season helped some teams but hurt others, any changes to the 2014 regulations could turn the championship on its head. Indeed, while some claim that the row is more about Ecclestone destabilising the sport thereby enabling him to drive down its value and make a bid to buy it, others are concerned that any change could drive manufacturers out and rip the sport apart.
As ever the teams are divided in opinion, some claiming the new regulations have no place in F1 whilst others insist the sport should be praised for its new green agenda.
As far as Ecclestone and the owners of the sport (not the fans) are concerned however it is all about money, which means bums on seats in front of TVs around the globe.
Speaking in Bahrain ahead of today's race - which looks likely to be a walk over for Mercedes, giving the German team its third win of the season - Ecclestone admitted that change is needed but that Mercedes must not lose out.
"We have to change, for sure," he told reporters. "I don't think the way things are at the moment are acceptable to the public. People buying tickets to come here, or go somewhere else, are expecting to see what Formula One used to be.
"What is important is that the teams know the problem, and the engine manufacturers know the problem, and they're trying to sort it," he added. Everybody is complaining, even Mercedes. They don't like people being unhappy.
"They can do something about the noise, and they need another 10 kilos of fuel or something," he admitted. "I think everybody will agree to that.
"These engines, without any doubt, are incredible," he continued. "The amount of power they produce from such a small amount of fuel. But I don't think that's Formula One business. They should do it in touring cars or something, but not in Formula One.
"Mercedes, without any doubt, have done a better job and they shouldn't be punished for doing a good job," he continued. "We shouldn't change the regulations to punish them. But let's see what happens when they all really start racing."
Chris Balfe