Ecclestone hints at Mercedes, Ferrari exit

Bernie Ecclestone says Mercedes and Ferrari may quit Formula One in the near future and suggests the Singapore Grand Prix will cease after 2017.

F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone told German magazine Auto Motor und Sport that world champions Mercedes, and Ferrari, may re-evaluate their positions when the next Concorde Agreement between the FIA and the teams, which will be signed in 2020, is negotiated.

"It could happen to us that Mercedes and Ferrari run away," Ecclestone said.

"But honestly, if the races get better, this may not be such a terrible vision.

"We have to expect the manufacturers to leave us anyway. Mercedes will retire on the day when it suits them and it's something we had before -- look at Honda, BMW and Toyota. They go when Formula One has done the job for them. There is no gratitude."

Ecclestone, 86, also says the Singapore government and the race organisers no longer want to bankroll the Marina Bay Circuit race after their current contract ends in 2018.

The Briton says Singapore has realised its' strategic goal of publicising the region's infrastructure and economy since hosting the inaugural event in 2008.

"Look at what we have done for Singapore,” Ecclestone continued.

"Yes, the Grand Prix has cost Singapore a lot of money, but we’ve also given them a lot of money.

"Singapore was suddenly more than just an airport to fly to or from somewhere. Now they believe they have reached their goal and they do not want a Grand Prix anymore."

Photo (©Getty Images/Mark Thompson)

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