Ecclestone hits out again at Liberty Media
- Published on 06 Jun 2017 12:02
-
- By: Fergal Walsh
Bernie Ecclestone has once again hit out at Liberty Media and their policies to changing the sport. Liberty took over Formula 1 in January and immediately rid Ecclestone of his position of CEO. Since, there has been some minor changes in the paddock that Ecclestone has spoken out against.
Liberty has allowed teams to be more open with social media, and have even included more features at a Grand Prix weekend for fans to enjoy themselves even more. Chase Carey, the new CEO of F1 has vocally spoken out against Ecclestone and his previous methods.
"I have to live with that (criticism)," Ecclestone said. "Maybe I should have changed more things as the Americans seem to now be about changing everything. For me it was always clear: I wanted to run Formula One Management so that it makes a profit for the shareholders. And in the end, the shares were so high that this was the reason it was purchased by the Liberty group."
When asked what his relationship with Carey is like today, Ecclestone answered: "Well, he doesn't need me. He says he knows what he is doing. And he has surrounded himself with people who also claim to know what they are doing. A lot of the TV stations are unsettled and annoyed."
With the takeover by Liberty Media, Ross Brawn was brought back to the surface as Managing Director of F1. Ecclestone does not see that appointment as a logical one, as Brawn never had an insight into the business.
"Ross never had an insight into our business. He worked as an engineer with Flavio Briatore at Benetton. Then he went to Ferrari, and I don't want to talk about how he later ran his team. But he does not have the big picture of politics and commercial processes."
When told that the races in 2017 have been exciting so far, Ecclestone said: "Right, but that had nothing to do with the new leadership. Two years ago I decided to go for a new regulation. With wider tyres and wider cars. This has changed the situation for the better. I go to my office very early and often leave very late. I keep my rhythm."
Fergal Walsh
1
Replies (6)
Login to replyf1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
Ecclestone leaving f1 is the best thing that's happened to F1 in a long long time. Seriously, he did well to make it a global business but he failed to keep up with modern changes. He left at a right time, he has no idea what he's talking about when it comes to social media so he shouldn't even bother
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I very much agree. He did no doubt do good things to the sport earlier, but changes were needed.
Rindtchamp
Posts: 304
lol, he's so arrogant.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I see Äckelstone has found a new hobby. Good for him.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
LOL get lost Bernie. I've never been more hopeful for the future of F1. So glad he's gone.
Major Tom
Posts: 152
It seems to me that since they have taken over, everything Liberty have done have been well considered, right and (so far) successful. Sadly this is in stark contrast to Mr Ecclestone's decisions and actions over recent years. Sour grapes?