Despite being banished from weekly wandering the paddock since Liberty Media bought Formula One, Bernie Ecclestone still attracts the headlines given the decades he spent making the sport a global success.

In the world of Formula 1, the name Bernie Ecclestone stands out as a towering figure. As the former chief executive of the Formula One Group, he played a pivotal role in transforming the sport into the global spectacle it is today. His departure in 2017 marked the end of a significant era, leaving fans and insiders to ponder what the future holds for the man who was once at the heart of this elite motorsport.

In retirement, Ecclestone continues to attract public attention, maintaining a presence that underscores his enduring relevance in the racing community. Certainly, it must be said that Mr E seems to enjoy a dabble in the politics of F1 with his large wooden spoon, stirring up controversy in the media.

 

Since retiring from Formula One, Bernie Ecclestone has shown little sign of slowing down. His investments cover a wide range of sectors, demonstrating his eclectic approach to business. However, his passion for racing remains evident in his occasional comments on the state of F1 and his views on the future of the sport. Ecclestone’s transition from an active F1 leader to a shrewd businessman and insightful commentator reflects his deep understanding of both the sport and the business world, despite being in his 90’s.

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Ecclestone remains a force in Formula 1

Bernie Ecclestone’s presence in the public eye has not diminished with his retirement. He remains a sought-after figure for interviews and appearances, often sharing his candid views on the evolving landscape of Formula One. His sometimes controversial comments continue to spark debate among fans and professionals alike.

Whether it’s reflecting on past decisions made during his tenure or giving his opinion on new developments in the sport, Ecclestone’s words carry weight and attract attention from all corners of the motorsport world. His appearances at select Grand Prix events and interviews with leading sports publications have kept him connected to the sport he has helped to shape, ensuring that his voice remains influential in the ongoing narrative of Formula One.

 

 

Ecclestone: Instigator of Massa’s claims for Hamilton’s 1st F1 title

His revelations last year that the FIA knew about Renault’s plan to deliberately crash Nelson Piquet Jr at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix have had a long lasting effect. If true, the FIA should have scratched the result of the city state race and the result would have been Felipe Massa crowned as champion and not Lewis Hamilton. 

Massa’s lawyers are ongoing with an investigation as to who knew what and when as the Brazilian as suggested he and Lewis should be awarded jointly the title for that year.

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Eccelstone points finger at Mercedes duo

Speaking to Bild, Ecclestone now takes aim at Lewis Hamilton and George Russell for having failed to deliver for their Mercedes team. The former world champions scraped across the line to finish P2 last season as Ferrari hunted them down closing the gap from over sixty points to just three at the final curtain.

Arguably Mercedes were fourth quickest towards the end of the year, with McLaren having turned their season around and Ferrari’s autumn upgrades seeing their drivers claiming pole positions.

Reflecting on the Mercedes duo performance Ecclestone claims, ““[Lewis] Hamilton failed a bit and [George] Russell wasn’t as good as he thought he was either. Still, they shouldn’t have lost so dramatically,” Ecclestone said.

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Praise for the new guard

By way of contrast the Former F1 supremo believes reigning world champion Max Verstappen would win whether driving his Red Bull, a McLaren, Ferrari or Mercedes cars.

“Christian Horner has done an excellent job. Max is currently the benchmark in every field,” he added.

“You could also put him in a McLaren, and probably a Ferrari or a Mercedes, and he would still win.

“Young Australian Oscar Piastri impresses me the most, at 22 years old. He will surely be a champion.”

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Norris marked out by team boss

Lando Norris has also been marked for greatness this week with his team boss claiming he is worth more than $100m in transfer value when compared to a football professional.

“Resources will not hold us back from achieving anything we need to achieve, drivers included,” Brown insisted.

Whilst Norris has two years remaining on his $5m a year contract (plus bonuses) it may be prudent for the Woking F1 team to offer him a new five year deal with a much bigger remuneration package. This is how football clubs operate thus preventing the competition from swooping in and stealing the talent from under their noses.

Red Bull have already admitted they have spoken to Norris twice but on both occasions he was on the cusp of a new arrangement with McLaren. Of course Lando will want to see how his team have faired in preparing their 2024 F1 challenger. Norris wants to win races and championships and this year’s McLaren car will be pivotal in whether he decides to remain or leave.

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Mercedes boss defends Russell

Despite Ecclestone calling out George Russell, his team boss has defended his performance so far. Speaking to La Gazzetta Toto Wolff says: When you do well and expectations get high, life gets complicated, But Idon’t see any pressure on him.

George is a young, strong driver, racing on a team with the best driver and challenging him, trying to beat him while he learns,the Austrian added.

But he has met all our expectations. When I think of his age and talent, he is someone I would always want on one of my teams.

Wolff also backs his star world champion driver when asked about reports that Lewis Hamilton may be past his best. Does Lewis still have what it takes?

Clearly yes, and I emphasise that strongly, said the Mercedes boss, following recent reports questioning whether Hamilton can return to winning ways.

There is a reason why Lewis has broken all records and won seven world championships – because his skill is on a higher level. If we give him a good car that he can trust, he can get back in front of everyone, Wolff added.

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McLaren and Red Bull have opted for a different strategy. They will retain the fundamental concept of their platform and build upon the successes of last season. Had McLaren not had such a disastrous start to 2023, they could easily have been runners up to Red Bull Racing. Failing to score any…READ MORE ON THIS STORY