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Whitmarsh: F1 moving forward with new energy

Former McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh believes Bernie Ecclestone's exit has ushered in a new era for F1 and it's been a long time coming.

Since his departure from McLaren in 2014, Whitmarsh has spearheaded Sir Ben Aisle's bid to win the America's Cup for Britain.

The former McLaren was at one point also considered by F1's new owners as a serious contender to replace Ecclestone.

The man who spent 24 years with McLaren believes the sport's management shake-up will instill some well-needed new energy.

"It is the end of an era but it is a move forward moment," Whitmarsh told AFP.

"I was probably enemy number one of Bernie on occasion (Whitmarsh was president of the Formula One Teams Association in 2010) but you have got to like the guy and respect what he did originally.

"He has a certain charm and charisma and is an extraordinary individual. He deserves lots of plaudits for what he achieved."

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Whitmarsh echoed Formula 1's new owners in their belief that the entertainment factor needs to be brought back into Grand Prix racing.

"What you need to have is something focused on entertainment which is what we (America's Cup yachts) are trying to do and to control the costs," said the 58-year-old Englishman.

"A sporting contest has to be exciting, you have got to engineer it to have an unpredictable outcome till the very last lap.

"Absolute fans might like to watch domination but it isn't enduring. The sport has also got to be relevant to stakeholders because it is an expensive sport for them to be there to be funding.

"You also have to make sure it is a sustainable business because there is a team about to disappear and there are other teams close to disappearing.

"That spooks the herd and doesn't encourage investors to come in."

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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.