Old F1 logo wasn't iconic - Brawn

Managing Director Ross Brawn has hit out at criticism of the decision to change the F1 logo for the start of the 2018 season, claiming that the former version was not iconic, and that a fresh approach was required in order to take the sport forward.

F1 owners Liberty Media unveiled the new red logo after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, and immediately fans and indeed drivers alike begun to pine for the old design.

Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Valtteri Bottas all admitted post-race that they preferred the previous incarnation, while others have commented that the nature of the design makes it difficult to identify in smaller forms, particularly on social media.

When asked whether, given the multitude of other changes fans and teams would like to see, the logo change was necessary, Brawn was emphatic in his response.

He said: "Over the past few days the question was asked as to whether the logo is really a major priority and the answer is yes.

“Apart from the commercial aspects, the new logo is much more flexible in terms of its use, especially when it comes to its application on merchandising and in the digital world. It has impact.

“The old logo was neither iconic or memorable."

Brawn also felt the need to defend the Liberty Media regime as it continues to come under severe criticism from all quarters, adding that there was a distinction required from the Bernie Ecclestone era and into the new one.

He added: “It was important to let Formula One fans see that we are entering a new era.

“Our sport is changing and must look to the future and also outside its own environment if it is to attract new fans, especially among the young. We believe this logo exemplifies this desire: in a world where visual communication is ever more important, we must also move in this direction.”