It’s very sad to see as a proud Ferrari fan, but I think we can conclude that the balance of political power in F1 has firmly shifted towards Mercedes.
The threat of making a crucial OEM unhappy means rules have to align with their broader corporate interests and demands, while conveniently fitting the ‘sustainability’ argument, as opposed to what would make for best motorsport viewing.
The budget cap and technical simplification should help new manufacturers enter and reduce the Mercedes sphere of influence, but this will be a time consuming process.
Ferrari’s influence has weakened significantly, particularly since the departure of di Montezemolo and the death of Marchionne, leaving figures that don’t seem to have the political nous to navigate F1.
Liberty Media also don’t seem to understand what fans like about F1, which is pure racing in what should be the most thrilling category of motorsport in the world.
Rest in peace to the Formula 1 we all once knew and loved, you will be sorely missed.