Max asks Bernie to give up the commercial side...

[Adam43]

...and join him at the FIA.

Originally Posted by Max

His role would be specifically to deal with the problems of Formula One from the governing body's point of view.

This is all from a meeting with the press at Monaco http://www.autosport-atlas.com/news.aspx?id=44284&s=5

Many theories as to why: http://www.autosport-atlas.com/news.aspx?id=44284&s=5 (see Guardian newspaper amongst other sources).

Ultimately I think Max just thinks he would be good at it. Which he would. It may be convenient for Bernie to get out of the commercial side now. It also fits in with Max's plan to set up a team to run the FIA rather than just a president.

Originally Posted by Vader

Join me, and together we can rule the galaxy!

[Kicking-back]

The summation of this is - the manufacturers want Max involved, the banks want Bernie involved - it's almost a perfect solution.