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14-car grid possible in 2015 - Ecclestone
Bernie Ecclestone says the 2015 grid could feature just 14 cars next year in the event of another two teams folding.
This weekend's United States Grand Prix features the smallest F1 grid in nearly a decade, nine teams and 18 cars, after Caterham and Marussia fell into administration in October. Sauber and Lotus have both had financial struggles recently, while Force India operates on a small budget, but F1 chief Ecclestone seems unmoved by the prospect of losing more teams ahead of next year.
"It could go down to 14," Ecclestone told Sky Sports F1. "If we lose another two teams that is what will happen. I can't predict if it won't or it will. But if it is 18 no drama at all."
When asked if he felt F1 needed small teams, Ecclestone said: "They are old enough to look after themselves."
One of Ecclestone's chief concerns this year has been with the limited sound of the V6 turbo engines, which has been a moot point for race promoters after years of the loud V8s. Ecclestone wants F1 to reconsider the V6 engines despite the new turbo era still being in its first year.
"We need to change the regulations. Get rid of these engines because they don't do anything for anyone. They are not Formula One."
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
