FOTA set for talks following withdrawals

The Formula One Teams Association are set to meet later today following the withdrawal of two of the biggest teams in F1 over the past couple of days.

FOTA had previously represented 11 out of the 12 teams in Formula One, with only HRT not included in the association.

However it has now emerged that Red Bull Racing and Ferrari have both resigned from the organisation in recent days, leaving FOTA in a state of limbo.

The teams had been playing politics for a number of months regarding negotiations over a new Resource Restriction Agreement (RRA) and there had been internal rows and accusations that some teams were not sticking to the agreed financial budgets that had been put in place with the previous agreement.

There had been a number of rumours in the paddock that the latest rows amongst the teams could see the break-up of FOTA and while Ferrari and Red Bull's withdrawal clearly leaves it weaker, some people believe it could enable the organisation to rebuild.

'It could now be easier to make some positive decisions, rather than there being this log jam with things constantly being blocked by teams rowing with each other, So let's see where we stand after the meeting.' one unnamed team principal told Autosport Magazine.

There was also some positive remarks from Mercedes team CEO Nick Fry, who was still very keen to work with FOTA and continue negotiations regarding a new RRA, he told Sky Sports: 'It's obviously quite a difficult time at the moment and clearly we, Mercedes AMG, are very supportive of cost control in Formula One, It's a difficult thing to achieve when everyone is so competitive but we certainly will work with others to try and fulfil the aim of an RRA.

'I think even though Ferrari have withdrawn at the moment they also are intent on finding a solution to this.

'We've certainly hit a bump in the road but I believe that work will continue in the background to try and resolve this and we will do whatever we can to support that.'

Of course the whole thing could just be more gamesmanship from Red Bull and Ferrari, both have to serve a two-month notice period, which gives time for both teams to reverse their decision should they choose too.