Smaller F1 teams plotting next move

Formula 1's smaller teams are plotting how best to respond to the sport's cost crisis amid growing frustrations at the attitude of grand prix racing's key figures.

Although the demise of the Marussia and Caterham teams has thrust F1's financial problems into the spotlight, it does not appear to have prompted any hint of willingness to make changes from the sport's chief executive Bernie Ecclestone or top teams.

• Force India's Fernley says small teams are being deliberately squeezed out

• Teams have no answer for financial crisis

The midfield squads' anger has mounted over the United States Grand Prix weekend with top teams having made clear in press conferences that they see little reason to do anything in response to the events of recent weeks.

The growing prospect of no action being taken has left Force India, Lotus and Sauber deeply upset, although reports of a plan to boycott the United States GP are wide of the mark. However, discussions between the three teams about a way of responding that will force the issue with the FIA and Ecclestone – but without hurting their own businesses – are ongoing.

It is unclear exactly what they plan to do, but sources suggest that all avenues will be pursued to try to make it clear to the big teams and sport's leaders that action is needed to prevent F1 destroying itself.

"We are not just going to sit back and accept things are they are," said a source within one of the small teams. "Something will be done over the next few weeks."

Lotus owner Gerard Lopez believes F1 is facing a hugely difficult situation and says it must address its issues.

"Listening to people say we have to have a certain amount to compete in the sport, a figure that scares new manufacturers to come in, is ridiculous," he said. "Yet that's the reality of things right now. In a sport where $120 million is perceived to be nothing, that is a pretty scary thought.

"Connected to that, there is a lot of frustration because it should not be that way. It's just a catastrophe.

"I look at it as a business person. It's an asset that's worth a lot of money, but it's only worth a lot of money if it has diversity, a bit of everything that has been the fabric of Formula 1."