Having characterized the ongoing dispute between the FIA and the FOTA as “a battle of egos”, the former Ferrari-an – a team with whom he won 2 of his 3 world titles – admitted he stands by the teams. He argued that, as in every game, the ruling body cannot simply ignore the wishes of its participants when setting up a set of rules.
“My hope is that the sword-rattling of FOTA means a compromise with Mosley is found. What is clear is that the FIA and Mosley cannot simply drive over the ideas of the teams,” said Lauda in an interview with German broadcaster N-TV.
Needless to say, the majority of drivers in the 2009 F1 roster have also sided with their teams in the scandal. Fernando Alonso was, as expected, the most vocal one, as this was the millionth time the 2-time F1 champion reminded the FIA that all the drivers want to compete for the best teams in the business, and not Formula One wannabes.
“I believe F1 would cease to exist because the interest will be so low. It's time for FIA to step back. Drivers are with FOTA. They pay us, they support us and we'll support them,” said Alonso for Spanish newspaper Marca.
Formula One veteran Jarno Trulli was also one of the drivers urging the FIA to consider the repercussions of their actions, as a potential breakaway series from the F1 manufacturers will likely send Formula One to collapse.
“It will be a big disappointment if they can't find an agreement. A piece of history is going to break down and it will be everyone's fault probably. I am only sad for the fans and the sport, because we are here to write history, and for the moment we are only writing about what the future of F1 will be and the politics,” added Trulli.
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