F1: FOTA finishes as teams' allegiance falls apart following Martin Whitmarsh's departure
Formula One Teams' Association has announced they will disband with immediate effect
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Formula One Teams' Association has announced it has disbanded with immediate effect, ending weeks of speculation with regard to the future of the organisation.
Revealing the news, FOTA secretary general Oliver Weingarten said: "I can confirm that FOTA has been disbanded as a result of its members having re-evaluated their requirements in the face of a changing political and commercial landscape in Formula One."
Red Bull mock reports of Vettel 'hissy fit'
FOTA was formed in 2008 to serve all the teams on the Formula One grid, offering a collective voice in discussions with the FIA and the sport's supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
Matters came to a head two years later when FOTA was at the heart of talks regarding a potential breakaway series before a resolution was reached with the FIA over new commercial agreements.
But in 2011, FOTA's unity was shattered when Red Bull, Toro Rosso, Ferrari and Sauber withdrew their support following a dispute over the way forward with regard to cost-cutting proposals.
Seven teams continued to form FOTA, under the chairmanship of former McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh.
But Whitmarsh's departure, along with the formation of the Strategy Group that now serves the needs of the teams in proposing the way ahead, has ultimately resulted in FOTA's demise.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments