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Ross Brawn pushed through Formula 1 Strategy Group change

Formula 1 sporting chief Ross Brawn was the driving force behind changing the rules to allow all teams to attend Strategy Group meetings in the future.

The most recent Strategy Group meeting, which took place late last month, was the latest step in F1's new era as new owner Liberty Media looks to revamp the championship and improve its governance.

Only six of the 10 teams on the grid - Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, Williams, McLaren and Force India - have previously been part of the meetings along with the commercial rights holder and the FIA.

Minutes of the meetings were rarely shared with the teams who were not present, meaning they were largely left in the dark over what was discussed.

It is understood there was a notable change in atmosphere at the last meeting, which Brawn chaired, with discussions said to have been positive and more focused.

Brawn presented the concept of inviting teams not officially part of the group to attend as observers as a change that would definitely happen, rather than one that was up for discussion and could be voted out.

The move is seen by some insiders as a first step towards letting all teams have a voice in the running of the championship, but does not necessarily mean the group will survive in its current guise.

Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn believes the move to allow observers is a "gesture" but does not feel it has gone far enough.

"We at least know what is being said there," she said.

"We can theoretically have the opportunity to understand why certain proposals are coming from there.

"Earlier on, we couldn't understand why they were coming up with certain decisions - nobody could, actually.

"Maybe that helps us a bit more in getting a better understanding as you can see what the different views are.

"But we don't feel more included, because that would mean we could participate in the discussion.

"At the end of the day, the group can't work in the way it is.

"We don't agree with any group having this kind of decision power."

Zdroj: autosport.com