Ecclestone: Liberty should take Ferrari threat seriously

Bernie Ecclestone has warned Liberty Media not to take Ferrari's threats to quit Formula 1 lightly. The Scuderia continue to posture over their displeasure at proposed changes to engine regulations and team budget caps, with on-track rivals Mercedes also offering backing.

Ferrari CEO Sergio Marchionne says a decision over Ferrari's future in F1 could be decided by the end of 2018.

The famous Italian squad, who have competed in more grands prix than any other team, are contracted with F1 up to the end of 2020, with new engine regulations proposed to be introduced the following year.

And Ecclestone warns that Marchionne is not a man to go back on his word, with Formula E a potential destination if they leave F1.

"Marchionne is someone who, when he says something, he does it and does not look back," Ecclestone told La Gazzetta dello Sport

"Liberty should therefore be careful about what they do. I've been close to Ferrari since the days of Enzo.

"F1 - or my F1 - was a company that distributed large dividends to its shareholders. Of course, there were always quarrels and discussions, but in the end we always came out best.

"Marchionne knows my position. Sergio knows what whatever he wants to do I will be there. We have discussed many things."

Ecclestone has not made any secret of his displeasure at the direction of F1 under Liberty Media.

The former chief believes the introduction of the halo has made the sport too safe and lamented the lack of challenge to Lewis Hamilton in recent years.

"Let's be realistic: Formula 1 is no longer as fascinating as it was or as it should be," Ecclestone told Belgian outlet Le Soir.

"Who do you think is going to win the title this year? Hamilton, of course! A lot can obviously happen, but for the public there is no doubt.

"So why would they be excited to go to a race? They'll just watch it on TV, and think that whatever happens, in the end Lewis will win.

"Today's cars offer above-average safety, and that's very good, don't get me wrong.

"But that halo, how can one present things as an exact science, and therefore suggest that the proposed solutions are fool proof. It doesn't make any sense.

"It implies that Formula 1 is less dangerous today, and therefore less fascinating and appealing for some people, those who go to the circus to watch the acrobats fall."