F1 needs reform after Abu Dhabi finale “pantomime” - Brown

Last week, the FIA announced that it is investigating the events which led to Max Verstappen’s dramatic title triumph against Lewis Hamilton at the Yas Marina Circuit in December.

The results of the investigation are expected to be announced in March as the FIA conducts “detailed analysis”.

In a detailed column on McLaren’s official website, Brown reiterated his view that the teams themselves have too much say and power in what decisions are made, suggesting that the debacle in Abu Dhabi was partially down to too much interference from the constructors.

"It is clear that some of the rules and their governance are not acceptable as things stand," Brown said. "No one is happy with the inconsistency in the policing of the regulations, but which has been habitually exploited by teams for competitive advantage.

"I have said before that the teams have too much power and it needs to be reduced. We have a significant role in the drafting of the regulations and governance of Formula 1 and that influence is not always driven by what is best overall for the sport. Yes, teams should be consulted, and their informed perspectives considered, particularly on long-term strategic issues. But at times it has seemed the sport is governed by certain teams.

"Let us not forget that we, the teams, have contributed to the inconsistencies in the policing of the regulations as much as anyone. It is the teams who applied the pressure to avoid finishing races under a Safety Car at all costs.

"It is the teams who voted for many of the regulations they have complained about. It is the teams who have been using the broadcasting of radio messages to the race director to try to influence penalties and race outcomes, to the point where an over-excited team principal plays to the gallery and pressurises race officials.

"This has not been edifying for F1. At times it's felt like a pantomime audition rather than the pinnacle of a global sport."

With new leadership in place in the form of Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Brown is confident of a brighter future for F1.

"I am confident that we will see increased leadership from the FIA and F1, and that collectively as custodians of the sport we will focus on evolving the sport and not shirk responsibility when it comes to tough decision-making," he added.