Share this article on LinkedIn Email

Lotus deputy team principal Federico Gastaldi is concerned about the direction Formula 1 is heading unless its business model is given an overhaul.

With proposed plans for 2017 regulation changes up in the air, and with the FIA recently opening up a tender process in a bid to introduce a budget engine, financial instability continues to plague a number of teams, while circuit bosses are also worried about their ability to continue to host races.

Gastaldi, who is likely to have one race remaining in his current role ahead of Renault's anticipated takeover of Lotus, struggles to see where F1 is heading with so little co-operation going on behind the scenes.

"I believe it is crucial for Formula 1 to review its business model," said Gastaldi.

"There are so many financial issues throughout the sport, whether for teams or promoters, that it is hard to see where things will go.

"I know that both Mr Ecclestone and the FIA have been trying to change things, and I also know that teams aren't always the easiest to work with when we have to join forces.

"Our agendas and situations differ too much and are almost always preceded with self-preservation."

Gastaldi also recognised another of F1's ills that while fans are at the heart of it, they are often being priced out of attending grands prix.

"Additionally, and I have said this before, we have to do everything that we can - all of us - to help promoters sell tickets," added Gastaldi.

"Without fans, where would we be?"

Only recently those behind Austin's Circuit of the Americas expressed their concerns about continuing to host F1, with the United States Grand Prix joining the Italian and German races on the endangered list.