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Force India, the leading independent F1 team, is struggling for survival.
That is the claim of Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, following the departure from the Silverstone based team's board of boss and founder Vijay Mallya.
"It doesn't really have any impact on the team. The day to day operations continue on under the management, as they've always done over the years," said deputy boss Bob Fernley.
"Vijay's decision is purely a personal one, but from a Force India point of view it really is business as usual."
However, that may not be precisely true. Auto Motor und Sport claims that Formula One Management, controlled by Liberty Media, is "currently helping out with a loan".
The report added that Mallya stepped down "in return".
Auto Motor und Sport said "five buyers" are shaping up to buy the embattled team, and they may include British energy drink Rich Energy, Mercedes and Force India title sponsor BWT.
Grand Prix of Belgium
C. Sainz jr
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Replies (6)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Mercedes buying them? Im not sure what I feel about that. It sounds like they want their own Toro Rosso. But then again, that wouldnt change much from what they already are. Wolff proved that when he was able to exert direct control over Ocon in Monaco. Nay, let BWT, Rich or some other company buy them. Maybe even Volkswagen?
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I thought Rich Energy was a done deal. Fake news I guess. While the prospect of another Mercedes owned team sounds interesting, I gotta say that I despise the "junior" team philosophy like the one at Toro Rosso. That's a team of highly capable people that exists simply to support Red Bull. It might go the same way for Sauber and Ferrari, but I haven't seen signs of that yet. I'd just hate to see a great team like Force India become that. I've said it before. I'm conviced that Force India doesn't need that much more to be a team that can fight for odd wins and podiums.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Not yet, though they have allegedly laid an offer on the team just the other day. Exactly, I dont like the thought of another team like that in the slightest. I agree they are a strong independant team, and should remain as such, and even a slight budget increase would work wonders for them.
talktohenry
Posts: 362
I think Williams will be in next and without AR Sauber isn't in great shape. Without a billionaire, these teams in bad shape and the rules changes on costs, won't come in time for some. If one or two of them go bang, expect far reaching changes to the sport as this silly irrelevant spending can't go on, people want a show not a spending competition. Sport needs to have a battle every single race or it won't attract new fans.
Kean
Posts: 692
There were rumors in Montreal that Andretti and Rossi might be interested in buying the team. Stroll had apparently looked into it but backed off when we saw how muddled their books were. I would like it if Andretti bought the team and perhaps set up some sort of co-op with Mercedes the likes of Haas, just as long as that co-op means that Wolff can't give orders to their drivers. Andretti F1 team, I like the sound of that.
siggy74
Posts: 194
Vijay Mallya has stepped down from the board and been replaced with his son... still owns the same % of the team ;p
Every year the same struggling stories, more likely williams will go before force india ;p