Though the fate of the sport and its participants will not be sealed at this week's meeting between F1, the FIA and the ten teams currently contesting the world championship, we should, certainly by the end of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, have a much better idea of where the various parties stand.

The technical and sporting rules are one thing, and already a number of teams have expressed their 'unease', however it is F1's plans for a total overhaul of the financial side of things where the fun and games should really begin.

In terms of a budget cap, Max Mosley tried and failed, yet somehow Ross Brawn and his colleagues believe they can get it right.

Then, other than the scrapping, or serious reduction of the various bonuses, there is the little matter of the prize pot.

While the big guns have admitted that they might accept a more level playing field, others are looking for total parity.

"Once it is levelled, that should accelerate everyone's competitiveness," McLaren boss, Zak Brown tells the Observer, the American citing NFL as a good example.

"F1 has had dominant periods," he adds, "but a great F1 is no one dominates any more. It might mean a team winning two championships on the trot, not five or six."

Looking ahead to Tuesday's meeting, and the package that will be put forward, he says: "For McLaren it has to tick two boxes; to be financially viable and to be able to fight fairly and competitively.

"If it wasn't that, we would seriously have to consider our position in F1," he warns, a 'threat' made previously, albeit for different reasons, by Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull and Renault. "That's not a position we want to be in.

"People throw it out there as a negotiating tactic but this has to be a fiscally responsible, competitive racing team," he continues, "and, if we feel the new rules don't put us in that situation, we would have to review our participation in F1.

"Revenue distribution should be more balanced, should be performance oriented," he insists. "To a lesser degree than today there should be recognition for your history. We all agree Ferrari is the biggest name and should be remunerated as such but not at the level that it is and you also should not be able to put that money into the racing.

"I am optimistic that everyone will participate," he says of the meeting. "There will be fireworks between now and then, it's negotiation but I am optimistic F1 will do the right things and sign up all ten teams and we will have a much better, more competitive F1 from 2021 onwards."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Rock Doc, 25/03/2019 19:44

"@GarH ' ... game of catch ... ' Love it.

I'm not sure why Zak thinks having the same money as all the other teams means Mclaren will be winners again. There are current teams with much less resources that McLaren at the moment that run rings round them."

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2. Posted by imejl99, 25/03/2019 13:36

"For years F1 community were moaning and drooling for USA market, it got even worse after Indianapolis F1 debacle. With Zak and Chase, "be careful what you wish for" gets completely new dimension.

Budget cap, rules, prize money... there are enough spec racing series in the world.
Even in terms of competition within American racing series, take out yellow caution periods 3-5 laps before checkered flag and I believe result would be in 2, or 3 the most, winning teams/drivers. But USA yellow is to bring field close together, and for broadcaster advertisement minutes ( when it is not for safety, of course).

I really wanted to give a chance to NASCAR, INDY... but it never got there, generated low interest if any. Investing my time, attention and passion for racing for 3 hours to be negated with caution period 5 laps from finish? Thank you, but no thank you.

Afraid I am."

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3. Posted by Editor, 25/03/2019 9:52

"@ GarH

I am in no position to comment"

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4. Posted by GarH, 25/03/2019 9:20

"@Editor

For his own benefit, he should be looking at a cure for diabetes. "

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5. Posted by Editor, 24/03/2019 21:41

"@GarH

Simultaneously, along with finding a cure for cancer and replacing Tony Blair as the Middle East Peace Envoy."

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6. Posted by GarH, 24/03/2019 21:07

"@Chris Roper

Sponsorship details can't be disclosed, it would be business suicide for all concerned.

@Editor

Would that be before or after he "Makes McLaren great again" ??
"

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7. Posted by Chris Roper, 24/03/2019 19:36

"They want too many changes all at the same time.
Why not do it in stages.
Stage 1 - Level the playing field with a more equitable prize pot and reduced bonus.
Stage 2 - Eliminate all bonuses.
Stage 3 - Equal participation, winning times will earn more through sponsorship deals but not from the prize pool.
All sponsorship must be disclosed but there is no budget cap, how they spend the cash, be it participation money or sponsorship is up to them...........
"

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8. Posted by Yougofirst, 24/03/2019 18:19

"Life is a bitch when you start with one strike against you for being a "typical American", I don't believe there are typical Americans not anymore.
I am not a fan of budget caps because it causes more conniving and deviousness."

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9. Posted by Editor, 24/03/2019 15:35

"@GarH

Sadly, Zak moving to FOM, isn't something I'd rule out."

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10. Posted by GarH, 24/03/2019 11:36

"Typical American who's convince the rest of the world has the slightest knowledge of NFL. Not one of the NFL teams make so much as a ball or a pair of boots, their only concern is paying staff, and do they pay them well. The top 5 players all earn in excess of $20m, not bad for a game of catch. Does Zak want to bring the NFL drugs culture to F1 as well and their lack of interest in player safety?

As Redphyve said, what is Zak for? He's a waffler, who appears on the pit wall at every race. Is his first aim to promote himself? It's almost impossible to avoid reading his views, as he runs a massive motorsport media company. His 'Alonso is the Greatest' campaign was non-stop all last year, not that is convinced any of the leading teams, it shows Zak isn't up to Zuckerberg levels of influence.

@Editor, should Brown replace Chase, F1 would be doomed."

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11. Posted by Motorsport-fan, 24/03/2019 11:32

"Possibilty of losing 5 races next season and gaining one, threat of teams leaving, if ever there was a time when a breakaway series was possible, this could be it."

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12. Posted by Italian Job, 24/03/2019 10:58

"Yes, Ferrari, Red Bull et all have all threatend to walk. However, their threats were meaningful because at the time they were all running, not wondering how to crawl..."

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13. Posted by Editor, 24/03/2019 9:54

"@ Redphyve

Indeed, but let's not forget he turned down a top job in F1 to take the McLaren role... so if things don't work out at Woking he could always end up replacing Chase Carey.

Be afraid."

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14. Posted by Redphyve, 24/03/2019 9:48

"I'm sorry, but what exactly has Zak Brown brought to the table at McLaren? Correct me if I'm wrong but he has done nothing of note since his arrival promising big sponsors and sponsorships.

I think he should consider himself lucky still to be invited to any meeting."

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Zak Brown "optimistic" on 2021 rules meeting, but warns McLaren could quit F1

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