FIA brings in Martin Whitmarsh to help with cost control plans

Former McLaren head-man Martin Whitmarsh is set for a return to Formula 1 after accepting a consultancy role on behalf of the FIA.

A report from Motorsport.com says Whitmarsh will work with the governing body to help with the implementation of future cost cutting measures in Formula 1.

The 59-year-old manager was ousted from McLaren's top executive position at the end of 2013 when Ron Dennis returned to the helm of the Woking-based team, and formally parted ways with the company in 2014.

Whitmarsh left the motorsport arena to lead the Land Rover BAR America's Cup team in 2015, ultimately stepping down from his position at the end of last year. He was then appointed to Formula E's Global Advisory Board, a committee chaired by four-time F1 world champion and FE team owner Alain Prost.

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The FIA is tapping into Whitmarsh's valuable expertise and extensive knowledge of F1 as it considers introducing cost cutting measures into the sport, although it's unclear if the initiative will lead to a full blown budget cap.

Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey submitted the concept of cost reduction to teams on several occasions last year, with the full support and encouragement of the FIA.

While there appears to be broad-based support in the F1 community for reining in costs, putting together an effective framework will likely be challenging for teh sport's managers and the FIA, hence Whitmarsh's hiring.

Carey recently explained without any form of cost reduction "the competitive spirit overtakes, and you just spend what it takes to win."

"When today people on the outside look in, in some ways they look at the challenges of the sport - what the top teams are spending - and that's a deterrent," he said.

"It ends up with realistically with about six cars competing at one level and the rest of the cars competing at another because of the spending differences and the engine differences and the like.

"We have to create a structure that makes it about how well you spend your money, not how much you spend," he added.

"I think that will create a better model for fans. A better model for existing partners. And a much more interesting proposition for potential new entrants."

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