Customer cars back on the agenda

Editor

Although very few details have been released about Thursday's Strategy Group meeting it is being reported that F1 could "embrace" customer cars.

The Strategy Group, comprising Bernie Ecclestone, Jean Todt, and F1's six big teams -Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren, Williams and Force India – met at Briggin Hill on Thursday for what was being described as crucial talks about the sport's future.

Cost cutting, whether that be through cheaper engines or the banning of windtunnels, was the hot topic with customer cars emerging as the possible solution.

According to the Guardian newspaper, "the sport has decided to turn its back on the small constructors and the big beasts, Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari, have been given the go-ahead to become stronger still by supplying other F1 competitors with cars and engines."

This has already evoked fears of a two-tier grid in which the four teams supplying the customer cars have the advantage, both in development and finances, while the customers are left to pick up the pieces.

Autosport added that the "matter is to be reviewed by the four CCB (Constructors' Championship Bonus) teams – Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull and McLaren – to assess costs and feasibility."