F1 | Mansell: “Formula 1 must keep Ferrari close”

The former world champion, referring to the threat from the team of Maranello to leave the championship in 2021 if Liberty Medium does not intend to change the engine programme, he declared that Formula 1 must do everything possible to keep the Italian team in the sport.

To Mansell, interviewed by Sky Sports, it was asked whether Formula 1 will continue in the same direction even without Ferrari:

"Absolutely not -replied the 1992 world champion- otherwise they will find themselves with difficult challenges to face. Now we only have 20 cars on the grid, at the time there were 43 cars trying to qualify in the top 26 places. We need new riders, new blood, new manufacturers who can fight in the same conditions.".

With the cost reduction imposed by Liberty Medium for the future, Nigel Mansell he hopes it will be enough to attract new factories to place at least 26 drivers on the grid.

“This is what the fans are asking for. There are many young talents who want to race in Formula 1. We hope that Liberty Media's new rules will be welcomed by everyone and there will be a fair situation that allows everyone to be competitive. There is something wrong if an important team like McLaren, winner of many championships and an incredible manufacturer like Honda, cannot achieve results together.".

Jessica Cortellazzi