Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFormula 1

Taking control of F1 away from teams is sensible says Kaltenborn

Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn considers that handing over complete control of Formula 1 to the commercial rights holder and the FIA would be pragmatic and sensible.

Last week, Bernie Ecclestone expressed the view that the influence of F1's leading teams was detrimental to teh sport and that power need to revert once again into the hands of Formula 1 Management and the FIA. A view Kaltenborn agrees with.

"I think this would be a sensible approach. The sport is about racing on one side in which the commercial rights holder has a vested interest, and the federation on the other side which sets the rules. We could take some things from the system we had before, like working groups which would consider the teams' views and where ideas or strategies could be discussed, but they would be decided somewhere else. What we can no longer have is a group with the big teams looking at strategies that suit them, especially since, as is the case right now, they can't agree amongst themselves, which is even worse."

In spite of its current woes and falling audience figures, Monisha Kaltenborn still believes Grand Prix racing has a lot to offer, and would not discourage any new team from entering the pinnacle of racing.

"Formula 1 is still one of the best platforms for what it represents. We have our issues and may not be offering the best publicity viewed from the outside, but it's still a fantastic sport. It has great challenges so any new team must make sure they come in with the right expectations. You have to enter F1 wanting to be your own independent team, knowing it's going to be difficult. There's also more support today than before. When Sauber entered F1 there was no access to prize money for the first two years as those were the rules. But in order to attract new teams to the sport you also have to bring the costs down and show them a more effective revenue stream."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.