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No point in reaching out to young generation - Ecclestone

Published on 14 Nov 2014 15:37
3
By: Rob Veenstra

Bernie Ecclestone has ensured the world of formula one on Friday will be discussing one thing -- his controversial views. Amid collapsing teams and a so-called 'crisis' for his sport, the F1 supremo provided a diversion with a typically politically-incorrect interview for a publication called Campaign Asia-Pacific.

Now 84, the Briton once courted controversy by saying he admired Hitler, and he riled others by joking that women should be dressed white like other domestic appliances. In Friday's interview, he said women "like to criticise", and likened collapsing backmarker teams to "ladies and credit cards".

And as Marussia and Caterham fight for survival, Ecclestone predicted nobody will miss them "at all" if they do fold. "They've only got a name that people would know because of the problem they're in," said Ecclestone, comparing them the paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius who gained greater notoriety for the high-profile murder trial. "Same with these two teams," said the F1 chief executive. "You need teams like Ferrari."

Arguably the most alarming comments, however, are about Ecclestone's attitude to social media, as he has been heavily criticised for not embracing the power of mediums like Facebook and Twitter. "I couldn't see any value in it. And I don't know what the so-called young generation of today really wants," he said.

He admitted he is more interested in marketing F1 to the older generation, because a 70-year-old has "got plenty of cash". "Young kids will see the Rolex brand, but are they going to go and buy one? They can't afford it," said Ecclestone. "So there's no point trying to reach these kids because they won't buy any of the products here and if marketers are aiming at this audience, then maybe they should advertise with Disney." (GMM)

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Replies (3)

BtwnDitches

Posts: 204
Well, so far as I'm concerned, that litany of recent comments by Eccelstone provides all the ammunition needed to immediately remove him from a position within FIA and of any other influence on F1 and its future. Maybe we can't prevent his shareholding, but the CVC board of directors and major team stakeholders damned sure can muzzle him, like the cranky and unpredictable old yappy dog that he has become. He doesn't "get it" and admits that. So, why is he still permitted to run the show, into the ground? It's also time, sports press, to quit going to Bernie for interviews & quotes. Why retain him in the limelight when it's clear that his agenda will also put you out of business?
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- Nov 14 2014 - 16:20
scf1fan

Posts: 58
One thing money has bought Bernie, he won't be remembered (that much) for the Brabham BT46. I bet that big fan cost a lot less than actually developing the car. (Ah, but he was only a young whipper-snapper then! Perhaps the smaller teams SHOULD take after Bernie in his younger days.)
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- Nov 14 2014 - 23:56
denis1304

Posts: 284
And I will remember you as conniving little bribing douche-bag.
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- Nov 15 2014 - 14:10