The former Renault team principal is a close friend and ally of Ecclestone, who he tips to remain in charge of F1 for at least "another year or two".

"He has the strength to remake F1, but he should have more support from CVC and the FIA," Briatore told Italian radio station Rai.

"After he goes, there will be no one like him again. If CVC stays, it will appoint a chief executive, perhaps an American, and F1 will be controlled by a board.

"This would not be good, as it is better to have a good little dictator making the rules."

Briatore also believes that it would not be in Mercedes' interests to continue dominating the sport as it did last season ahead of a radical rules shake-up in 2017.

"Mercedes does not want to show excessive power, otherwise the rules will be changed," argued the 65-year-old.

"It is not in their interest to win so easily."

Commenting on speculation that Lewis Hamilton could ditch the Brackley-based squad in favour of Ferrari, Briatore said: "I think he is comfortable where he is, as he has Rosberg under pressure.

"Raikkonen has improved but I don't know if [Ferrari] are going to keep him; otherwise I'd go for a young guy like Bottas.

"My favourite is always Ricciardo but he is stuck with Red Bull," the Italian added.