Quote:
Originally Posted by blaffer
I wouldn't like to see 8 teams with three cars. In a next phase we would have 6 teams with four cars, or 5 teams with 5 cars etc...
Formula One is also about variety and diversity, therefore we need at least 12-13 teams. I'm in favour of a model which allows smaller teams to run custom cars, i.e. chassis delivered by a major team at the beginning of the season (but without 'mandatory' in-season updates from the major team...), or which allows the smallest teams to run only one car, ...
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Any move to fewer larger teams will signal an end to F1 as we know it. At present it is the only open wheel international professional series that requires entrants to build or fund their own designs. Everything else has become one make, through rules or the costs and attrition that occurred during the 90's.
If customer cars were allowed logic would indicate that the cars would have to come from constructors who were building good cars, and probably designs from the previous season.
This would be because of the track record rather than taking a gamble on a new design. So they are unlikely to be a major threat to the constructors team or other major teams. Running a satellite team (As McLaren did in 1974 when they ran a Yardley M23 for Mike Hailwood) or as Red Bull do via STR.
There is no doubt Red Bull would save $$$$ if they could run the same design, effectively 4 Red Bulls and gather the data across both teams. But the idea of effectively acquiring a 'super-team' is why the FIA said no, you must have your own design at STR.
Single car independent team with a year old design is not really a threat to established team but a satellite car may be and it is not what Bernie really wanted. If he gave place to it now it is only because he is being pragmatic, not because it is in his vision for F1
Bernie's vision would be to have 12 manufacturer funded teams that wouldn't need to worry about money but that will never happen. Its all too expensive.