Brawn sets sights on gradual F1 overhaul

Ross Brawn has warned against making immediate changes to improve Formula 1’s appeal as he embarks on his new role in the sport.

F1’s new owners Liberty Media announced the former team owner as managing director of motorsports this week following the American firm’s completion of its much publicised takeover.

In recent years the pinnacle of motor racing has seen its following dwindle which the new management hopes to arrest.

Returning to F1 after a period away, Brawn admits his new role will allow him to investigate innovations to improve the sport, but says Liberty Media will not be rushed into making changes.

The former Ferrari engineer is keen to avoid replicating F1’s disastrous decision to introduce elimination qualifying last season.

“There will be change, of course,” Brawn told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“With (Chase) Carey as president and CEO, myself on the sporting side and Sean Bratches in marketing and media, decisions will be more cohesive. And then we will involve the FIA, teams and organisers.

“In recent years I have seen that F1 is unresponsive (to change).

“To deliver continuity is obviously important to everyone, but we must be careful to preserve the essence of grands prix.

“For my part, after a period of study, we must think of a three to five-year plan and introduce innovations gradually. Acting quickly could be counterproductive.”

“We must avoid, as has happened in recent years, falling into the temptation to artificially create the show,

“But I agree on the need to make sure that there is more competition.

“To do this we need patience, we can not overhaul everything. To switch from black to white would be a mistake: this is a complex sport.”

The new F1 season is set to begin at the Australian Grand Prix from March 24-26.