Volkswagen motorsport boss takes apart F1

VW Group motorsport boss Bernhard Gobemeier believes that F1 is simply too costly, thus justifying the involvement in Formula E of group brands Audi and Porsche.

Formula 1, under the guidance of new owners Libert Media,  is currently in the process of defining the sport's future direction with an emphasis on reducing costs down and generating a business model profitable for all.

Govemeier is unimpressed however, and simply doesn't believe F1 is a cost-effective proposition, at least for now.

"Formula 1 is on a dangerous path," said the VW manager.

"It is expensive. Most of the teams, apart from the big four, have financial problems. And tracks cannot pay what they are asking for," he explained.

"Due to its expensive nature, they are walking a very dangerous path in my personal opinion. We see it everywhere."

The German also underlined the excessive amount of human resources required to properly field a works effort in F1.

"Mercedes has over 1,500 people working on the F1 project.

"That is not even considering the suppliers, though it is not so much. It is probably 2,000 people on two cars. You should consider how expensive wages are in England and how expensive material is."

• Carey eyes standard components in F1 to reduce costs

Reducing costs is at the forefront of F1 CEO Chase Carey's priorities, starting with simplified engine rules, which have yet to be determined, and perhaps the introduction of standardized parts.

But the prospect of curbing costs will also likely ruffle the feathers of those, like Ferrari and Mercedes, who have the means to outspend their rivals. 

"In America, they have cost control on their minds," insists Gobemeier.

"They manage it well. In Europe, there are a lot of different categories. In some of them, cost control is really good. But, F1 is completely out of range and so is the WEC."

Finally, Gobemeier notes a general lack of commercial interest in Grand Prix racing, a state of affairs which also requires change. 

"The number of sponsors is going down and so are the spectator numbers," he said.

"At the same time, the cost is increasing. Something is not fitting there. They have to make the races more spectacular."

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