Horner hints FOTA group could 'stop'

The health of the Formula One Teams Association seemed in danger on Sunday as a bosses meeting broke.

FOTA has scheduled another meeting for Abu Dhabi next month but the association seems at loggerheads over the future of the cost-limiting gentleman's Resource Restriction Agreement.

Martin Whitmarsh, McLaren, Chief Executive Officer and Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing, Sporting Director

Photo by: xpb.cc

Fingers have been pointing at Red Bull and Mercedes, with fellow grandees McLaren and Ferrari reportedly on the other side of a burgeoning argument.

According to the BBC, Red Bull chief Christian Horner said FOTA needs to deal with its problems "or we'll stop". HRT is already a non-FOTA member, ahead of crucial forthcoming negotiations over the next Concorde Agreement.

"If we can't find agreement within FOTA on that then what is the purpose of FOTA?" Horner is also quoted as saying by Reuters.

FOTA president Martin Whitmarsh said in Korea that the alliance exists for the good of the teams.

"I think we have got to improve it," the McLaren boss said, referring to the endangered cost agreement. "I think we have got to work together to enhance trust and mutual respect in the process.

"Will we ever reach a stage where everyone is very comfortable, has no concern, no accusation? I doubt (that), but I think it has been the right thing for the sport and I think we have got to continue to persevere with it."