Williams surprised by Ferrari ‘veto power’
Sir Frank Williams, the 67-year-old formula one stalwart, boss and team co-owner, on Thursday mentioned what many observers have wondered: how the agreement is legal in the eyes of the European Commission.
Williams said the revelation of Ferrari's special rights, which are not possessed by the other nine teams on the grid, had caught him by surprise.
"I think many of us thought it mainly made a commercial advantage and that
would be what they deserve," said the Briton.
"They've had many years under this Concorde agreement and the previous one in a very privileged position, which if it had been known previously would not have gone down very well, I think, with the competition authorities in Brussels," added Williams.
He believes the thorny revelation, potentially of interest to lawyers, is a reason for Ferrari to abandon its harsh stance against F1's governing body and "come back inside".
Referring again to the Ferrari veto, Williams added: "Ferrari don't really need this help. They're a very, very strong and wealthy team.
"It will be a great shame if they do go but if they go, I hope that it won't be in a fit of pique."