McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh has warned that seven of the 11 teams on the grid are in “survival mode” due to the economy.
Whitmarsh, who is also chairman of the Formula One Teams’ Association (FOTA), is likely referring to Lotus, Sauber, Force India, Williams, Toro Rosso, Caterham and Marussia.
Meanwhile Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes enjoy significant financial backing from outside shareholders and large sponsors.
The 54-year-old alluded to the current financial climate which is hurting those teams which rely heavily on sponsors, rather than manufacturer backing.
“It’s tough,” he told the BBC. “We’re in the world of advertising and you only have to see how advertising is worldwide. The rate card is down.
“We have taken some measures, but I think it’s going to be tough for some.”
Whitmarsh hinted that the teams need to push Bernie Ecclestone for more money.
Though the new Concorde Agreement – yet to be signed – should alleviate some of the problems with a greater share of the sports revenues going to the teams. It’s believed they will share 63 per cent of the revenue, up from 47 per cent under the previous agreement.
“Bernie has done a fantastic job for the owners,” he added. “We can criticise him but he’s doing a better job than we are. He’s keeping the money on behalf of his employers.
“That money whistles out of the sport and that’s deeply frustrating for some of us in the sport but that’s exactly what he should be trying to do.
“If the teams aren’t cohesive enough to work together to secure a larger share of that, then they have to blame themselves.”
