Since one month, Bernie Ecclestone continues to say that he is ready to tear up Concorde Agreements, signed in 2013 and valid until 2020, to produce a new. More in line with the needs of formula 1. In reality, Ecclestone finds that it is unable to resolve the problem. Causing a new constraint.
The man had already made the admission that he had no solutions for the future. It confirms the situation stating that teams wishing to redefine the Concorde Agreements, must negotiate individually with Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren. Each having negotiated its own agreement. Blurring even more the cards and reducing its willingness to find a solution.
For the relations between the teams, this change should not help clarify behaviors. Formula 1 passes through a serious crisis of confidence between inter-team relationships and team/institution.
So, if Sauber or Force India see Lotus seeking a premium, they must in addition to discuss with CVC Capital Partners (or Bernie Ecclestone), obtain the approval of Red Bull and Ferrari and Mercedes and McLaren. These will have to accept a sharp reduction of their income to meet the economic needs of those three teams in need of funding. In sum, Ferrari has a premium since 1981 and that it was technically wrong in 2014 must sacrifice part of its premium to allow Lotus and Sauber, who were also in error technically this season to save. Used money from lever to technical deficiency of a season.
The situation will become complicated if Caterham F1 Team and Marussia F1 Team cannot found a buyer by Christmas. Formula 1 in 2015 will be available by 9 teams. What is ultimately good news economically for all the players. Haas arriving in 2016 and will touch its TV rights than 2018, Force India, Lotus and Sauber, will receive a bonus of EUR 5 to 10 million for 2-3 seasons, in addition to a possible distribution of Marussia money and even to Caterham (approximately EUR 55 million). A way give, without sacrifice for big teams. But also to increase the power of the big teams and promote the status-quo, without a new Concorde Agreement is produced.
Marc Limacher
BusinessBookGP Editor
