F1 needs a major clearout. Too many people have been at the helm, whether it be Bernie, Mosley, FIA members and some team owners, for far too long. In some cases, 40 years or more! As a result there is too much vested interest to want to make significant changes that will benefit the 'sport'.

Colin, Brisbane, Australia

I totally agree with the sentiment to go watch Superbikes and MotoGP - more overtaking in one lap than a whole F1 GP. The riders are more aproachable and ability is the biggest factor, not money.

Martin, Bath, UK

F1 has been manipulated for years and years. And years.

And you've only just realised?

I think the whole thing is funny; amazingly dull on-track action, prima donna drivers, billionaire munchkins. Robo drivers, all truly laughable.

Go watch Superbikes and MotoGP - thats where the action is.

Mark Bullen, Kiama, Aus

World War III is upon us.

Gloves. Off.


Let's get it ON!

Anthony, London,

The sad British F1 plight, always looking for an excuse why they've been hard done by and why they think Lewis Hamilton is the best driver in the World. The reality is that Ferrari are worse off in this situation, and the change in the points structure has only hindered them since its inception.

Philip, Sydney, Australia

General help? Australia 2007 illegal red car? lewis Hamilton double world champ by now?

Rich, Oxford, England

Just as well Lewis won the championship this year, clearly no-one wil be allowed to stop Ferrari winning next year

David, St Albans, UK

"If you think that senario back through this season, was Lewis Hamilton World Champion several races before Brazil? "
Paul, Newton Abbot.

I think he might have been Champion in 2007 if Ferrari hadn't had 'general help'.

McFerrari, Scranton, NJ, US

I'd say Ferrari have had 'general help' since before 2003. Take a look at the constructors points for 2001 & 2002 seasons!

Phil , Atlanta, USA

What, you mean Ferrari get a better deal than the other teams? Perhaps they made him an offer he couldn't refuse!

al, weybridge, UQ

Um, am I missing something? Isn't he saying that they have to pay Ferrari $80M more 'prize money' if they win the constructors championship than if another team wins it? Wouldn't this then be a dis-incentive to 'let' Ferrari win through any 'general help'? Ferrari wins Bernie pays out $80M more.

Tim, Oxford, UK

get rid of ferrari. They are a boring team with boring drivers and an unfair advantage.

jon antony, london, United Kingdom

Looks like F1 is heading for a split again.. Also Bernie is implying Ferrari are doing something wrong. But I am sorry, its his company that dangled the $80m carrot because Bernie knows the value of Ferrari. No Ferrari and F1 fans might as well all go home. So please don't try to pass the buck here

A. Khan, London,

Is that why Hamilton lost last year through heavy penalties so that Ferrari can win.
The question that needs investigating is whether the races are manipulated.

nayef, shanghai, china

General help?,
What is that exactly?, for years everyone except the blind tifosi knew there was a Ferrari bias, now Gollum confirms it!,
No more F1 for me , not until the present rulers shuffle off.

Ross Cattrell, Montreal, Canada

This "arrangement" is common knowledge and was in place way before 2003; what the article fails to mention is that the deal also includes a unilateral Ferrari veto over any new sporting regulations they don't like. And by the way, his real name is Montezemolo, not "di" Montezemolo.

Alastair Johnson, Alicante, Spain

I totally agree with Simon

If you think that senario back through this season, was Lewis Hamilton World Champion several races before Brazil?

Its a long and dark shadow this " General Help"

One thing I do beleve is that for his wet Silverstone performance Lewis secured his place as an F1 legend

Paul, Newton Abbot, Devon

What a horrible bunch of people in F1 - Ecclestone the billionaire pockets millions for doing what and the playing field is totally uneven with Ferrari getting more than everyone else for the same result how is that fair?

If circuits don't pay Bernie enough they lose the grand prix & sod the fans

Andrew, Cambridge,

I used to consider this fellow a gentleman - how vulgar! And how childish! At 78!
Surely, at this level, there must be a more dignified way to sort out incomprehensions between elders. Who else is left in F1 to inspire? What a disappointment!

A Davidson, Leeds,

I've watched F1 since I was a kid. This is one last and major nail into the coffin of the sport for me. I love Ferrari, I love F1. It's not the money that worries me, it's the extra 'general help'. So which race was real, which pit-lane fine was motivated by something other than racing? i'm out!

Simon, London, England

Extra money for Ferarri; is not surprising but it would be interesting to know what Bernie Eccelstone is referring to when he say's "all the extra things Ferrari have had for years – the ‘general help’ they are considered to have had in Formula One,” I'll leave that to the readers imagination.

Keith Hollinrake, Penang, Malaysia

Oops, the truth is out. Do anything to keep Ferrari happy, and we thought that there was a level playing field or did we?

Bill-from-Brum, Brum, UK

What was it that George Orwell wrote in Animal Farm?

All pigs are equal, but some are more equal than others!

I wonder if the Ferrari Red now signifies embarrassment that their 'special deal' has come to light?

John Clark, Northampton, UK

If what Eccelstone says about Ferrari receiving $80M is true, how can fans ever believe they are watching a contest on a level playing field between competing teams? It's a charade. The team with the most money will always have a better chance of winning the championship. Incredible!

Art Folker, Menlo Park, USA