A mere 17-car field took to the grid for the start of the 2014 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas on Sunday.
Caterham and Marussia had their cars absent from the race with both teams recently heading into administration. Sebastian Vettel was also forced to start from pit road, leading to a low-pitched 17-car hum away from the line as opposed to the 22-24-car scream that the Austin fans had heard the past two years.
“We need to change these [engine] regulations … cos they don’t do anything for anybody, they’re not Formula One,” said F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone in an interview with Sky Sports last weekend.
“I feel sorry because they bought a package, we’re not delivering the package because we can’t – it’s just that easy.”
The ‘sound’ of Formula One has been a hot debate ever since the cars took the circuit in Melbourne, Australia in March. The dominant Mercedes team tried in vain to find a solution to the issue earlier in the season, while other teams at the back have been struggling just to stay alive.
“It could well go down to 14 if you like, if we lose another two teams, that’s what will happen, I couldn’t predict it won’t or it will but if it’s 18, no drama for that,” Ecclestone added during the interview in reference to the car count.
A threat of a boycott existed prior to the start of the 2014 United States Grand Prix and still lingers in the air ahead of next week’s Brazilian GP. If Force India, Sauber and Lotus all pulled out, there could be a mere 12 cars on the grid.
"The problem is there is too much money being distributed badly - probably my fault - but, like lots of agreements people make, they seemed a good idea at the time," Ecclestone added.
Marussia is not expected make the Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend, whereas Caterham reported to Sky Sports that it will fold within two weeks if a buyer cannot be found.
“We need them [the smaller teams],” added Ecclestone, but only “if they’re going to be there properly, without walking around with begging boats.”
