F1 Might Be Under Attack by Murdoch, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull!

Things are cooking behind the scenes as the F1 teams prepare to practice for the Turkey Grand Prix in Istanbul. The face of the great and venerated sport could be headed for its biggest changes ever.

The Formula One political atmosphere is dormant at the moment, and Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali believes it's the proverbial calm before the storm. As he told Auto Bild:

"At the moment it's quiet because something is going to happen soon."

On track alterations that might be sought relate to aerodynamics. Ferrari has voiced the opinion that there is excessive attention put into aerodynamic development. Domenicali went on to say, "If formula one is [to be] interesting in the future for manufacturers we need to ensure that all the elements of motor racing are there in equal measure."

When Martin Whitmarsh of McLaren spoke to Skye News he said, "I think whoever owns the sport in the future, be that the current owners or new owners, it's just important that the teams are more cohesive than they have ever been."

The current Concorde Agreement expires at the end of 2012 (not necessarily because of the scheduled Armageddon), and the most prominent F1 teams are gathering in Stuttgart, Germany next weekend. The future of Formula One is expected to be under discussion.

News of the simmering pot-boiler comes from the Daily Telegraph and Sky News' City editor Mark Kleinman. Kleinman seems to have had the inside track on the rumoured Rupert Murdoch intent to acquire ownership of Formula One along with a group of partners. Bernie Ecclestone has repeatedly denied the potential for that to occur.

News Corporation (Murdoch's company) has confirmed that a Ferrari associated company in the consortium to take over F1. McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull might well join the consortium as well. It is "absolutely conceivable" says Italy's Autosprint.

If this possible rebirth was to actually come together, there is the possibility of wonderful improvements, disastrous failures, and an explosion of temperament that might suck the Formula One brand into an imploding black hole. We will observe closely as matters unfold.