Customer cars in Formula One moved a step closer on Friday when the sport’s chief executive, Bernie Ecclestone, talked about a world in which teams could compete with the same engine and chassis.

The idea was discussed last week at a meeting of F1’s strategy group, made up of the bigger teams, Ecclestone and the FIA, the sport’s governing body. And now Ecclestone has talked about his vision for 2017.

“I’ve been pushing, pushing, pushing for single chassis, single engine, and run it exactly the same as now, but they [the teams] can’t muck around with the car,” he said.

“So you do that with four or five teams and you leave the constructors alone. You let them do what they want to do. You would make all the chassis the same, and then we would do a deal with one of the engine suppliers. It should work.”

This is exactly what the small, independent teams have been fearing, because they would lose their status as constructors. Customer cars would threaten the existence of teams such as Sauber (who have already said they would not compete), Force India and Lotus, who would be the also-rans in a two-tier system. Effectively, their chances of pulling off a shock win, one of the great attractions of F1, would diminish.

Ecclestone argues it would bring an end to the pay driver, who brings sponsorship money to a team. “Instead of having to run around and find a driver who has money, they could look for a talented driver and put him in the car. You would then get a lot more new drivers with a lot more talent.”

Those noisy neighbours Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, who both live here, are preparing for what could prove to be a crucial meeting on Sunday.

Rosberg will be attempting to become the fourth driver, after Graham Hill, Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna, to win a hat-trick of races at Monaco. But, more important than that, he will be attempting to maintain his momentum following his victory in the last race in Barcelona. Another win would bring the championship to life. Hamilton, who was fastest on Friday in second practice, leads his rival and team-mate by 20 points.

Hamilton has denied suggestions his globetrotting lifestyle has led to a lack of focus. “I don’t need to think about that. I just do me, I don’t judge anyone. People have the right to have their own opinions. I have two world championships now. I know what I’m doing, if I’m burning myself out, or burning both ends of the candle. If I feel fit and I feel fresh and I feel good I’m going to do those trips. You have to do what makes you feel happy. There are a lot of bonuses and positives which come from doing things that you want to do.

“But I want to win this weekend. There was one thing that happened in qualifying which offset us a little bit [in Barcelona].Ultimately, I wasn’t quick enough. But it wasn’t because I was travelling or anything like that.

“Nico was just quick that weekend. I’ve been home these past two weeks. I feel solid, I feel fresh, I know the importance of being on the time zone here. People are going to have opinions about different things. But I just do me. Like it, love it or leave it.”

Hamilton has also been enjoying life in his home town. “It can’t always be work, work, work, while everyone is partying in the clubs. So you want to enjoy it. It’s great to be here. The weather’s fantastic. Later on I might get in my car or on my motorbike or go on a cruise somewhere. Or go jet-skiing. Who knows? But I want to make sure I enjoy this weekend.”