F1 tainted by the row between FIA and teams

02 July 2009

No brand is immune from being tarnished, and the schism that has surrounded Formula One in recent weeks seems to have left its mark, according to the latest MarketingWeek.co.uk poll.

Although the results were close, more than half (52%) of those who voted agreed that the row between the Formula One teams and the motor sport’s governing body, the FIA, has damaged the brand.

The sport has lurched through a number of crises since the global economic downturn began with Honda pulling out of the sport completely and ING planning to curtail its sponsorship investment.

The latest threat to capsize Formula One was the possibility of a breakaway championship under the banner of the Formula One Teams Association. This challenge that could have seen Brawn GP, Renault and others depart, seems to have been headed off for now by the decision not to implement a voluntary £40m budget cap.

FIA president Max Moseley has also agreed not to stand for re-election for the position.

Sponsors are attracted to the Formula One brand thanks to its associations with glamour, fame and exciting technology. However, if the brand continues to see such internal dissent made very public, disenchantment may grow.

Do you think the current row between Formula One teams and the FIA has damaged the F1 brand, no matter if the issues are resolved?