Todt: 'Too much reliability among the top F1 teams'

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FIA president Jean Todt believes that Formula 1's front-running outfits are too reliable, a state of affairs directly linked to overspending says the Frenchman.

Mercedes spearheaded the charge once again this season, its W08 Silver Arrows proving as reliable as it was effective, especially in the hands of world champion Lewis Hamilton.

"Even if the Mercedes was not always the fastest, Lewis scored points in 20 of the 20 Grands Prix," said Todt. "The cars are too reliable."

One could argue that a lack of reliability was precisely the reason for Ferrari's demise against Mercedes in the latter part of the season, but Todt disagrees.

F1 'must respect efforts of current manufacturers', says Todt

"Ferrari impressed me as well," he said.

"I stay with what I said: Ferrari and Mercedes were too reliable. That costs money. Tests, simulators, it's all too much.

"We don't need all of that for a good sport. Actually, the contrary," the FIA president added.

Todt also added his thoughts on the ongoing talks between the governing body, Formula 1's management and the teams about the sport's future regulation platform

"The current engines are too expensive, too complicated and too quiet," he admitted.

"But we can build on them. We are currently talking to the manufacturers about an evolution of the current engines. The process is not finished yet."

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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.