Ecclestone could be in Bahrain and Russia

Bernie Ecclestone has stayed away from the F1 paddock ever since his replacement at the head of the sport - but he could reappear at the next Grand Prix in Bahrain.

Liberty Media's acquisition of F1 last year meant that Ecclestone was demoted to an advisory position as Chase Carey, Ross Brawn and Sean Bratches ascended to the top in his place - but he evidently is not keen to stay away for long, with a return imminent not only in Bahrain, but also in Russia after that.

"Bernie Ecclestone will always remain a friend of Krasnodar," Krasnodar governor Veniamin Kondratyev is quoted as saying by Russian news agency Tass. He added that although Sochi has a deal to host the Russian Grand Prix until 2025, he will still discuss something with Ecclestone's replacement Carey.

Mason Hawker