John Malone set to bring in changes, including axing Bernie Ecclestone

Bernie Ecclestone could be set to vacate his role at the top of Formula One at the end of this season.

Initially thought to have a three-year deal to continue running F1, Ecclestone is said to have clashed with the sport's new owner, US media tycoon John Malone, according to Auto Bild.

Also stated in the same report was that Malone was looking to end Ferrari's special historical bonus payments, although the head of the Italian team Sergio Marchionne is not happy about the idea.

Malone is undeterred though, reportedly telling Marchionne: "Sue me! I have the time and the money."

Mercedes chairman Dieter Zetsche, however, is pleased with Malone's purchase of F1, and is said to be particularly interested in Malone's offer that teams be able to buy into the commercial rights.

Zetsche is said to have requested 10 per cent for Mercedes, and is set to meet his Renault and Ferrari counterparts Carlos Ghosn and Marchionne to discuss the new arrangements.

However, Red Bull is hesitant to buy into the sport, with an official quoted as saying: "We have to think about the price-performance ratio."

"If it is too expensive and with little influence, an engagement would not make sense," said the source.

Ticket prices set to drop, more European races on the agenda

Meanwhile, Bild newspaper is reporting good news for Formula One fans.

Malone's Liberty Media reportedly wants to see a decrease in race ticket prices with weekend passes of around €150 being mooted. Liberty is also looking to add more European races to the calendar.

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