Bernie Ecclestone believes Formula 1's appeal and excitement has dissipated with Mercedes current domination and wants to 'rip up the rulebook' and start from scratch.

Formula 1's supremo acknowledged that while F1 has seen overwhelming domination form drivers in its recent past, such as Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel, he still feels that it is detrimental to the sport that Lewis Hamilton is in a position to wrap uo the championship with several rounds to go.

"We are in show business," the 84-year-old said during his interview with Russian broadcaster RT .

"The minute we stop entertaining we are in trouble. Our biggest problem is that people know pretty well who is going to be world champion this year. That can't be right. When people go to watch anything, they don't want to know the result before it starts. That's the rulebook I want to tear up."

Formula 1 should therefore put the onus on man rather than machine in order to generate uncertainty and bring the sport back to what it should be about: entertainment.

"Although Lewis is very talented, his car is so much better than anybody else's, other than the guy who is his team-mate. There might be whole bunch of people who might be as good as him and they are never going to be exposed so that people know. That's what is wrong."

Ecclestone also held himself accountable for F1's current state of affairs, admitting he had a heavy hand in how Grand Prix racing has evolved. Technical and sporting regulations should be written off and recreated he believes.

"I think a lot of our technical regulations are too stringent. It's really been like an old house and people keep adding new pieces to it and nobody really knows why we have added it -- I'm as guilty as anybody else."

"Maybe we ought to tear it up and have another look. We have become much too clinical with too many rules and regulations. I think the drivers, when the lights go out, should be on their own. They shouldn't have help and advice from the pits."

Toto Wolff exclusive interview: Behind the Mercedes dominance

Click here for analysis of the technical updates on display at the Russian Grand Prix

Click here for the F1 drivers' girlfriends gallery

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Aston Martin says performance shortfall led to Fallows exit

Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough has shed some light on why the team’s former…

7 hours ago

FIA clamps down on plank loophole after Red Bull complaint

The FIA has issued a pivotal Technical Directive to F1 teams ahead of this weekend’s…

8 hours ago

F1 drivers blindsided by race director Wittich’s sudden exit

The abrupt removal last week of FIA race director Niels Wittich with just three races…

9 hours ago

McLaren relaxes ‘papaya rules’: Norris and Piastri free to race

Oscar Piastri has confirmed that McLaren’s team orders—dubbed the "Papaya Rules"—have been largely relaxed, giving…

11 hours ago

Cheers to the forever young pure racer Jacques Laffite

The forever young Jacques Laffite turns 81 today, but the years haven't aged this pure…

12 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Wednesday's build-up in pictures

The neon lights of Las Vegas are set to illuminate the Formula 1 world once…

13 hours ago