It is odd that those who diligently scour Companies House looking for Formula 1 stories to sell to newspapers have failed to notice a rather significant development in the last few weeks. When it was announced that the Bavarian authorities would commence proceedings against Bernie Ecclestone, it was agreed that he would stand down from the board of Delta Topco Limited but would continue to run the business on a day-to-day basis, “but subject to increased monitoring and control by the board”.

That was on January 16. It was not announced that he would stand down from a string of other directors positions in the F1 empire as well. If one checks out Companies House one finds that there are “appointment terminated” notices for Ecclestone with Formula One World Championship Ltd, Formula One Hospitality and Events Services Ltd, Formula One Management Ltd and Formula One Administration Ltd, the major operating companies of the group. These are all dated January 21.

Thus far, no replacements have been appointed.

It is rather odd that this has not been reported given that it is a very significant change in Formula 1. I guess that I will have to start looking in Companies House on a daily basis…

Down to a 34.2 now. That's only 2 secs off last year's pole time.

Lotus caused a red flag, so this is their post on Twitter:

@Lotus_F1Team: "E22 red flag test simulation complete."

Lotus caused a red flag, so this is their post on Twitter:

@Lotus_F1Team: "E22 red flag test simulation complete."