Gerard Lopez has hit out at Formula 1's "archaic management". Refuting rumours he is looking for new investors to replace the Lotus boss, while the sport's supremo Bernie Ecclestone earlier this month insisted the Luxembourger is a friend.
But Lopez, who at the end of last season was leading the charge as angry midfield teams demanded more income, remains highly critical.
"Formula One TV ratings are declining steeply whereas the show on track is exceptional, albeit still improvable," Lopez told AutoHebdo.
"The sport must reach out to the younger fans, namely engage them not only through TV but also and above all via the Internet and social media."
"What's more, F1 does not have any genuine marketing department, which means there exists a significant untapped potential for commercial opportunities."
An entrepreneur and businessman, 43-year-old Lopez heads Genii Capital, an investment firm, and he reports that his investment peers regard F1 as "the only activity offering a global platform likely to attract world companies. And yet, there seems to be some sort of blockage."
Lopez questions, "Why do these potential sponsors never make the leap when they are not really undaunted by the amounts requested in F1? What's holding them back? Is it because of the sport's archaic management and organisation?"
"While around $900 million are redistributed to the teams every year, the system keeps giving too much to the haves and too little to the have-nots."
"The gap is constantly growing, which in turn tarnish the overall image of F1. Therefore, potential sponsors tend to show wariness when it comes to invest in the sport. All this could be fixed pretty easily but unfortunately none of the [other] teams shares the same vision, nor the same agenda," added Lopez.
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