So far we have discussed if Bernie's time in F1 is reaching an end. The next logical question then is if he goes who takes over.
Here we face the first problem. Bernie has been creating his empire since the mid 70s and within the F1 establishment since 1987. The web of companies within companies that manage the commercial aspects of Formula one is enough to make your eyes pop and your brain freeze just trying to sort it all out.
Some how I don't expect an orderly handover from Bernie to a replacement so the manor of Bernies departure will be critical to the stability of the sport as well. There seems to be a feeling of better the devil you know with Bernie and if he goes the vacuum at the top of F1 could create other serious problems as various factions, the FIA and FOTA for example, move to reclaim parts of the sport that they think they own.
After the EU court case where CVC exerted their right to control F1 Bernie efectively became an employee of CVC (no matter how hard he tries to convince people he's personal friends with the chairman). So in theory CVC could remove Bernie from his post at any time.
Is there anyone currently involved in the sport that could run FOM after Bernie or is his replacement likely to come from big buisness outside of the sport? Can anyone actually manage to replace Bernie or is the sport in danger of tearing itself apart over internal power struggles in the wake of not having that figurehead in overall control?
Here we face the first problem. Bernie has been creating his empire since the mid 70s and within the F1 establishment since 1987. The web of companies within companies that manage the commercial aspects of Formula one is enough to make your eyes pop and your brain freeze just trying to sort it all out.
Some how I don't expect an orderly handover from Bernie to a replacement so the manor of Bernies departure will be critical to the stability of the sport as well. There seems to be a feeling of better the devil you know with Bernie and if he goes the vacuum at the top of F1 could create other serious problems as various factions, the FIA and FOTA for example, move to reclaim parts of the sport that they think they own.
After the EU court case where CVC exerted their right to control F1 Bernie efectively became an employee of CVC (no matter how hard he tries to convince people he's personal friends with the chairman). So in theory CVC could remove Bernie from his post at any time.
Is there anyone currently involved in the sport that could run FOM after Bernie or is his replacement likely to come from big buisness outside of the sport? Can anyone actually manage to replace Bernie or is the sport in danger of tearing itself apart over internal power struggles in the wake of not having that figurehead in overall control?