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ust a week after producing a widely-publicised raft of radical proposals to reform the sport, Formula One’s controversial ‘Strategy Group’ was on Thursday described as “not fit for purpose” by leading team bosses who want to see it scrapped as soon as possible.
Speaking at a news conference at the Monaco Grand Prix, Force India’s deputy team principal Bob Fernley was unequivocal in his criticism of the group that last week recommended faster cars and a return to refuelling as measures required to rekindle flagging interest.
“I don’t think the Strategy Group is fit for purpose,” said Fernley.
“We should be looking at something where we have a clear program. We have had 18 months to two years of Strategy Group work with nothing coming out of it.
“In days gone by, with Bernie and [former FIA president] Max [Mosley] in charge, we knew exactly where we were.
“I don’t think you should have teams making decisions on where Formula One is going. The teams should be told where Formula One is going.”
Fernley received support from Red Bull boss Christian Horner and Toro Rosso team chief Christian Tost, who agreed that it was impossible for the current group to work together because of their conflicting self-interests.
The Strategy Group is made up of representatives from Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull, Williams and Force India.
The group can suggest and vote on rule changes along with Jean Todt, president of the ruling body, the International Motoring Federation (FIA), and Formula One Management (FOM) boss Bernie Ecclestone.
“The sport is governed by the FIA and promoted by FOM and its those guys who need to get together and say ‘what do we want F1 to be?'” said Horner.
“Bernie and Jean need to get together and say this is what we want the product to be and how it is to be governed and then give us the engine and see if we want to enter.
“Every team has its own agenda and it’s going to fight its own corner… If you leave it to the teams to try and agree a set of regulations, you’ll never get everyone on the same piece of paper.”
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