Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has broached the possibility of forming a breakaway series in the wake of the sex scandal involving FIA president Max Mosley.
Ecclestone met for more than two hours late Friday with F1 team bosses at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, site of Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix. He brought up the idea of breaking away from the FIA, which has governed the sport for its entire 58-year history.
After reports in the British media, Ecclestone, the F1 commercial rights holder, confirmed the meeting and its subject Saturday, when speaking to the media at the track.
A person identified as a senior team source was quoted on Saturday, saying: “We provide the drivers and sponsors. Bernie has the circuits and TV. Max is just the referee. The FIA blows the whistle.”
Ecclestone and Mosley have been longtime allies, but the scandal prompted Ecclestone to say the FIA boss should step down for the good of the sport.
