Bernie Ecclestone is expecting Formula 1’s leading manufactures, including the reigning triple world champions Mercedes, to exit the sport in the near future.
In an interview with Auto Motor Und Sport last weekend, the 86-year-old expressed his concerns over the manufacturers’ commitments to Formula One.
“It could happen to us that Mercedes and Ferrari run away, but honestly, if the races get better, this may not be such a terrible vision,” he said. “We have to expect the manufacturers to leave us anyway.
“Mercedes will retire on the day when it suits them and it’s something we had before – look at Honda, BMW and Toyota. They go when Formula 1 has done the job for them.”
Ecclestone also claims the Singapore Grand Prix is the latest race facing the axe as its organisers believe they can no longer benefit from hosting the event
“Look at what we have done for Singapore. Yes, the Grand Prix has cost Singapore a lot of money, but we’ve also given them a lot of money.
“Singapore was suddenly more than just an airport to fly to or from somewhere. Now they believe they have reached their goal and they do not want a Grand Prix anymore.”
The future of numerous other races is also in doubt, with both the German and Brazilian Grands Prix reportedly hanging in the balance.
“We do our best to keep Canada on the calendar,” Ecclestone added. “In Brazil we try the same, even if it is difficult. In terms of Hockenheim, we cannot subsidise the race in Germany if we do not do the same with other races in Europe.”
The provisional 2017 calendar still has 21 races, however, Canada, Germany and Brazil are still to be confirmed, with just over four months until the season gets underway.
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