Ecclestone: F1 to Decide on Three-Car Teams by November
Bernie Ecclestone says Formula One will know within a month if teams will be allowed to field three cars each, as several outfits face an uncertain future.
Formula One will decide within a month whether to allow teams to enter three cars each, as the sport faces the risk of a shrinking grid in 2016. Bernie Ecclestone confirmed the timeframe as several teams continue to battle financial and supply problems, with the prospect of as few as 16 cars on the grid if multiple outfits withdraw.
The collapse of Caterham in 2014 left the championship with 10 teams and 20 cars. Since then, Lotus has struggled to pay creditors while negotiating a takeover by Renault. Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso have both threatened to leave the sport if they cannot secure a competitive engine supply for 2016. Sauber and Force India have also raised concerns about their financial stability, even taking their complaints to the European Commission.
Red Bull and Lotus in the balance
Red Bull's future in Formula One remains uncertain, with no confirmed engine partner for next season. The company has warned it may withdraw both its teams if a solution is not found. Lotus, meanwhile, is waiting for Renault to complete a possible takeover. The outcome of both situations is expected to be clearer by November, according to Ecclestone.
If either Red Bull or Lotus were to exit, the grid would fall below 20 cars, triggering contingency plans. Ecclestone said some teams are interested in running three cars, and suggested many fans would prefer an extra Ferrari or Mercedes to a backmarker with little chance of points.
What a reduced grid could mean for F1
The prospect of three-car teams would mark a major shift for Formula One, which has relied on independent outfits to fill the grid. If implemented, it would favour well-funded manufacturers and could make life harder for smaller teams already struggling to survive. The decision will depend on the resolution of Red Bull and Lotus's situations, both of which are expected to be settled by November.
For context on recent qualifying changes, seethe 107PC qualifying rule story.
