Bernie Ecclestone: "Liberty Media will do a better job"

Despite his recent comments questioning the tactics of Liberty Media, Bernie Ecclestone now appears to be full of praise of Formula 1's new owners. He also admitted that he wouldn't be able to do as good of a job if he was to return to his former role.

Ecclestone was ousted as CEO of F1 in January when Liberty Media took over ownership of the sport. His role was filled by Chase Carey, Sean Bratches and Ross Brawn. Liberty has been praised for the work its done in the short time at the forefront, bringing fans closer to the sport. 

"I've been thrown out and someone else is going to do a better job and I'm quite sure if I went back I couldn't do a good a job as they're going to do. So I shouldn't go back," Ecclestone said in an interview with Claire Balding on BT Sport.

Ecclestone also admitted that he is still surprised he was forced to step down: "I wasn't ready because before they actually signed everything up, they had asked me to stay for three years, so I was a bit shocked when they asked me to stand down.

"The person that's currently doing what I used to do said would I stand down because it's a job he wanted. So I said well you've bought the car, you might as well drive it!"

Fergal Walsh