Whitmarsh denies McLaren breaching constructor definition
Global Motorsport Media
Martin Whitmarsh has fended off claims teams like McLaren are already breaching the current definition of a F1 'constructor'.
The issue is on the agenda for this week's F1 Commission meeting in Geneva, with the possible outcome to be the legalisation of the sale of entire 'customer cars' to small teams.
Whitmarsh, the McLaren and FOTA chief, is opposed.
But the proponents, understood to be powered by Ferrari, will reportedly argue on Thursday that McLaren for example already shares its intellectual property with customer teams including Force India and Virgin.
Whitmarsh rejects the link.
"Our agreement with Force India has been approved by the FIA and FOM," he said, referring to the technology deal in place with Vijay Mallya's team.
"It is a collaboration in some areas in which third-party services are allowed," insisted Whitmarsh, referring to transmission and hydraulics.
It is a collaboration in some areas in which third-party services are allowed
As for the deal with Virgin, this covers mainly the renting of infrastructure.
"For us this is a business model that is within the rules," he is quoted by Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.
Share Or Save This Story
F1's power vacuum: are lunatics running the asylum?
Malaysian GP: Friday press conference
Whitmarsh joins America's Cup team Ainslie
Ayrton Senna wanted Ferrari switch before 1994 Williams deal, says Jean Todt
Charles Leclerc delivers optimistic Ferrari verdict after strong 2026 progress
How Ferrari must step up its efforts to end its long F1 championship wait
Nurburgring 24h Qualifiers: Scherer-Audi wins as Max Verstappen's show unrewarded
F1 bosses explain long-term push to fill 24-race calendar
When a journeyman driver's F1 career lasted just 800m
Why this quintessential late-1970s F1 car stands out in the history of the Tyrrell team
Why this quintessential late-1970s F1 car stands out in the history of the Tyrrell team
The political shift that will determine F1's next engine formula
Is it now or never for Russell in hunt for F1 title?
The top 11 lost F1 victories after the flag
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments