Mosley 'scandal' could 'damage' F1

Updated 12.31 Sun Apr 06 2008

Keywords: F1, Formula One, Bahrain, RBS, Sir Jackie Stewart, Max Mosely

Former motor racing world champion Sir Jackie Stewart believes the Max Mosley scandal could cost the sport dear.

Ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, Mosley insisted he had "done nothing wrong" and that his actions were "harmless and completely legal".

"If we go to a Muslim country or to a large Jewish organisation, because of what has occurred, they might put any plans on hold" - Sir Jackie Stewart

But three-times former world champion Stewart feels Mosley has failed to grasp the possible implications from a commercial standpoint, and the damage that could have on the sport.

Stewart said: "In this sport you are talking about multi-national corporations because it's global.

"If we go to a Muslim country or to a large Jewish organisation, because of what has occurred, they might put any plans on hold."

The 68-year-old Scot has reiterated his call for Mosley to stand down, believing the sport's leadership "has to be whiter than white".

As for those sponsors already tied into F1, Stewart feels they could start to get itchy feet the longer the situation drags on.

"Many sponsors are already tied in contractually," added Stewart, who works on behalf of the Royal Bank of Scotland who are one of the primary sponsors of Williams.

"The problem is if those contracts are coming up for renewal, they might be unhappy the sport has been blemished, and the focus on a grand prix is suddenly on another issue."

"Instead of getting coverage about their sporting achievements and the outcome of the grand prix, they are going to see very little about the actual race and more on the current politics."