Formula One’s often underwhelming Strategy Group has received its first major shake-up at the hands of the sport’s new owners.
The Strategy Group meet to discuss proposed changes and the future landscape of Formula One, but at present, only six of the ten teams attend those meetings — Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team, Scuderia Ferrari, McLaren Honda Formula 1 Team, Red Bull Racing, Williams Martini Racing and Sahara Force India F1 Team.
Furthermore, the competing teams not in attendance are not made aware of any aspects of the discussions that take place.
Now though, F1 Sporting Chief Ross Brawn has put forward a proposal that would see all ten competing F1 teams able to attend the meetings and marks a first step towards letting all teams have a voice in the running of the championship.
Monisha Kaltenborn, team principal of Sauber, one of the four teams who doesn’t currently attend the Strategy Group meeting believes the proposal is no more than a “gesture”.
Speaking to motorsport.com, Kaltenborn said: “We at least know what is being said there.”
“We can theoretically have the opportunity to understand why certain proposals are coming from there.
“Earlier on, we couldn’t understand why they were coming up with certain decisions – nobody could, actually.
“Maybe that helps us a bit more in getting a better understanding as you can see what the different views are.
“But we don’t feel more included because that would mean we could participate in the discussion. At the end of the day, the group can’t work in the way it is.
“We don’t agree with any group having this kind of decision power.”
