F1 | Briatore: “Ferrari? I don't know what has changed."

In a recent interview with Sky Flavio Briatore he told his point of view on today's Formula 1, focusing on the arrival of Liberty Media, the new rules, Rosberg's farewell and Ferrari.

The Italian manager did not hide a certain pessimism regarding the Maranello team: “I don't know what has changed, apart from the fact that Marchionne hasn't made any statements this year, but the team is still the same. It's not like I see any changes. However, I believe that the changes will be more in favor of Red Bull because the cars will be much faster and it will be impossible to overtake. But I believe that Mercedes' advantage will remain unbridgeable."

Briatore also said he was pessimistic about the future of the circus and not convinced that the arrival of Liberty Medium can really make a real difference: “They will try to change things, but I don't know if they know the product. The F1 product is ultimately a race. Someone who watches television doesn't want to know if the engine can go to the moon or on a road car, nobody cares."

The main problem lies precisely in the continuous and frantic technological research: “The public doesn't care about seeing the engineer who invented the double clutch, the public wants to see the gladiators and the gladiators are the pilots. The basic problem – he added – is that the more you spend, the more the spectacle diminishes, because the more technology advances, the more advantages you give to the car and you see less of the driver's abilities”.

A few words also about the surprising withdrawal of Nico Rosberg: “Some of it surprised me. When you see a guy who did so much to win, I thought he was in for another season. But it was very hard for him, he thought that another championship would be difficult to win and he was right to retire."

Finally, a word also about your friend Bernie Ecclestone: “I feel it every day. Becoming honorary president, when you have been the master, is the worst thing that can happen to you, they are positions that are worth nothing. Now he has to enjoy his life."

Manuel Lai