Formula 1 drivers warn success of sport could be jeopardised

“It is fundamental that the sport’s leaders make smart and well-considered adjustments,” it reads.

“We feel that some recent rule changes – on both the sporting and technical side, and including some business decisions – are disruptive, do not address the bigger issues our sport is facing and in some cases could jeopardise its future success.

“The drivers have come to the conclusion that the decision-making process in the sport is obsolete and ill-structured and prevents progress being made. Indeed, it can sometimes lead to just the opposite – gridlock.

“This reflects negatively on our sport, prevents it being fit for the next generation of fans and compromises further global growth.”

The drivers add: “The future direction and decisions of F1, be they short- or long-term, sporting, technical or business-oriented, should be based on a clear masterplan that should reflect the core principles and core value of F1.

“We need to ensure that F1 remains a sport, a closely fought competition between the best drivers in extraordinary machines on the coolest race tracks.

“F1 should be home only to the best teams, drivers and circuits, with partners and suppliers fit for such an elite championship.”