Liberty's Carey sits in on F1 Strategy Group meeting

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Formula 1 Chairman Chase Carey was an interested party to Wednesday's Strategy Group meeting which took place in Geneva.

The American executive was obviously keen to witness firsthand Formula 1's inner workings at a meeting which included representatives from Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari, Williams, McLaren, Force India, FIA President Jean Todt and current F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone.

It's not clear exactly which specific items were on the meeting's docket but it is believed that discussions centered around the simplification of F1's rules, and the future direction of the sport.

While no firm proposals were put to a vote, a majority agreed with the necessity to address the problems generated by the current rule book.

Ecclestone has expressed concern at the lack of consistency displayed by regulators, as well as with the severity of several recent decisions which, in his view, have impacted the racing.

"Generally we need to have a good look," he told Motorsport.com before the meeting in Geneva.

"There are too many rules and too many regulations. You need lawyers and doctors and God knows what else to be in F1 today.

"You can't repair an old house, better to pull it down and start again. He's got enough people. We don't need to wait."

According to Autosport, one team principal submitted to the Strategy Group a proposal to introduce a permanent steward in order to render more consistent decisions.

The topic of penalties was also discussed in Geneva, with one SG member suggesting that too much authority has been granted to FIA race director Charlie Whiting, and that the procedure of how penalties are determined must be changed.

All parties generally agreed that penalties should be less severe and focused on defensive moves which put another driver in danger, while leaving intact one's ability to race.

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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.