Top Dog Formula 1 Teams Are 'Breaching EU Law'

The four smallest teams in Formula 1 have written a letter to the FIA accusing the six biggest outfits of breaching European competitive law.

Germany's Sport Bild reports that it was initiated by Marussia and also signed by Caterham, Sauber and Force India. It was addressed to the other seven teams, as well as Bernie Ecclestone and president of the sport's governing body, Jean Todt.

The main complaint, according to the report, is about the new F1 Strategy Group - which is made up of the five biggest teams and Williams, as well as Todt and Ecclestone. The group has the ability to implement and scrap rules without gaining unanimous agreement, as long as a majority of the group have the same view.

Recently, Todt revealed that the planned cost cap for 2015 has been dropped (because the six teams and Ecclestone failed to support it). In the letter, Sport Bild believes the smaller outfits have accused the Strategy Group of abusing its powers for their own gain, rather than for the better of the sport.

The letter was delivered to the FIA prior to last week's World Motor Sport Council meeting, after which Todt called upon all 11 teams to meet to discuss ways to reduce spending.