Mallya blames Ecclestone for lack of new F1 sponsors!

Force India managing director Vijay Mallya took a dig at Bernie Ecclestone, blaming the former F1 supremo for the team's lack of new sponsors.

The Silverstone-based outfit has proved the most cost-effective for its commercial partners, finishing fourth in the Constructors' standings despite its limited budget.

The team can fortunately rely on its base-pool of sponsors this season as new money was very difficult to attract, and Mallya explained why.

"If the boss of Formula 1 says publicly that the sport is crap, what do you expect?"

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The Indian businessman was referring to Ecclestone's public comments made in 2015 about the sport's state of affairs and dwindling audience numbers.

"Which sponsor wants to enter a business that speaks like that about itself? Bernie put off many sponsors with his comments, and those who did come went to the rights holders.

"FOM and the teams were competing for sponsors," he continued. "Liberty Media seems to have a different approach, so let's see what changes."

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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.