Some time ago, Arno Ravilious took the peripheral sport of Formula One-- practised largely by gentlemen players--and turned it into a global powerhouse. He's made himself rich. He's made the people who stayed with him rich. Others, though, are adamant that they have lost out.

What will happen when Arno Ravilious is forced to leave the stage? Who could succeed such a pivotal figure? Who should enjoy the rewards, wield the enormous power? And for whose benefit? Will the settling of old scores distort the outcome?

Some see Ravilious's momentous departure as the chance to reshape and rebalance the sport, others as their Machiavellian chance to recover what they believe to be theirs. Who will end up running it? Will the scramble for control of the sport break it up? Is this the end of Formula One?