Coronavirus puts F1 in a fragile state, teams may disappear: McLaren boss Brown

Formula One 2020 is yet to start, with two races - including the showcase Monaco Grand Prix in May - cancelled and six postponed so far.Zak Brown feel
...
File photo of a McLaren F1 car during pre-season tests. (REUTERS)
File photo of a McLaren F1 car during pre-season tests.

Formula One is in "a very fragile state" due to the new coronavirus crisis and risks losing some of its 10 teams unless some big changes are made, McLaren boss Zak Brown warned on Sunday.

The season has yet to start, with two races - including the showcase Monaco Grand Prix in May - cancelled and six postponed so far.

The sport has already made some changes, including postponing a planned major technical rule change from 2021 to 2022 and agreeing teams will use the same cars next year but Brown said more was needed.

Also check these Vehicles

Find more Cars
Mclaren Artura (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon2993 cc FuelType IconMultiple
₹ 5.10 Cr
Compare
Mclaren Gt (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon3994.0 cc FuelType IconPetrol
₹ 3.72 Cr
Compare
Mclaren 750s (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon3994 cc FuelType IconPetrol
₹ 5.91 Cr
Compare
Mclaren 720s (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon3994.0 cc FuelType IconPetrol
₹ 4.65 - 5.04 Cr
Compare
View Offers
Emflux Motors Emflux One (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
BatteryCapacity Icon9.7 kWh Range Icon200 Km
₹ 5.50 Lakhs
View Details
Simple Energy Dot One (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon3.7 kWh Range Icon151 km
₹99,999
Compare

"Could I see - through what is going on right now in the world if we don't tackle this situation head on very aggressively - two teams disappearing? Yeah," the American told the BBC.

"In fact, I could see four teams disappearing if this isn't handled the right way."

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren. (AP)
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren. (AP)

Brown said the economic and health situation meant it should not be assumed anyone would be lining up to take over any struggling teams.

"I don't think the timing could be worse from that standpoint," he added. "So I think F1 is in a very fragile state at the moment."

McLaren last week became the first team to put staff on furlough while ratings agency Moody's changed Formula One's outlook to negative from positive.

Team bosses are due to discuss cost-saving plans on a call on Monday.

A $150 million budget cap, still well above the spending levels of some smaller teams, is due to come into force next year but Brown indicated there was a push for it to be reduced further -- possibly to $100 million.

"You have everyone at $150m, and the strong majority - including one of the big teams - willing to come substantially under $150m," he said.

There is also some discussion about a further postponement of the technical rule changes to 2023.

First Published Date: 06 Apr 2020, 08:44 AM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers on

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Choose city

Want to get the best price for your existing car?

Powered by: Spinny Logo
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy

Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.