F1 needs Bernie Ecclestone to have more power, says former driver

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone should be given more power to help return the sport to its former glory, according to former driver Derek Warwick.

Ecclestone's power has diminished in recent years as the big teams have begun to have more of a say in rules and regulations, and Warwick - who is now president of the British Racing Drivers' Club - believes it is holding F1 back.

He highlighted the constant disagreements between the teams over aerodynamics and car design as prime examples of F1's recent failings.

"For me, I love F1, I think it's exciting, think the drivers are amazing, the cars look beautiful," he told Perform. "I just think we are too reliant on what's happened in the past rather than trying to get our house in order now.

"I think it's difficult for F1 because in order to change anything you need everyone to vote for it, that's when you lose the ability of someone like Bernie who in the past has had complete control and could change things overnight.

"Now, nobody is going to agree to anything because they always feel someone else has got a reason for doing something."

Earlier this month, F1 announced it would bring back refuelling for the 2017 season as one of a number of measures to make the competition more exciting.

And Warwick believes attitudes around the paddock also need to change to help attract new fans.

He added: "I am really disappointed sometimes the way F1 talks about themselves, there is always some sort of negativity.

"Then you turn the station over to the other side and watch MotoGP and everyone is jumping up and down, getting excited, throwing champagne at each other, smiling, laughing, joking, it's an upbeat great feeling.

"It's lost that bit of extra feeling that I always used to feel when competing [in] and watching F1.

"I think, generally, F1 take themselves too seriously, from the team managers, to team bosses, to the mechanics, to the drivers, to Bernie, to Jean Todt, to everybody.

"We all know there is a drop in TV viewers and spectators in general. It is pretty clear something needs to be done, I'm just surprised no-one is doing anything."