25/05/2015
NEWS STORY
Bernie Ecclestone claims that champions like Lewis Hamilton are better for the sport.
In an extraordinary interview for the official F1 website, Bernie Ecclestone has rubbished the likes of Nico Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel, claiming that Lewis Hamilton presents a better image for the sport.
Known for his keen sense of humour, Ecclestone, in a joint interview with Rosberg, says: "Generally I believe that Lewis is the best champion that we have had in a long, long time.
"He manages to get to all different walks of life: red carpet, fashion business, and music… you name it.
"That is not your fault or his," he tells Rosberg. "You two are just very different characters."
Asked to explain, Ecclestone adds: "Nico is not seeking the limelight as Lewis does. Lewis wants to be famous."
At this point Rosberg is asked if he understands what the F1 supremo is saying.
"Of course I do," says the German. "Bernie is the commercial rights holder so the more outgoing the champion is, the better.
Of course. I also do think about our sport and want to make an effort - but in my own way. I am Nico and not Lewis!"
"Let's put it this way," says Ecclestone. "I am happy that we have somebody like Lewis. I also couldn't be like Lewis. I don't like gold jewellery!"
When asked who he would rather find himself stuck in an elevator with, Ecclestone says: "I wouldn't mind both. But I think I would find it easier to talk with Nico than Lewis, as Lewis is into things that are very distant to me.
"But when it comes to F1 I am a huge Lewis fan because he is a super promoter of the sport. From a pure business aspect - sorry Nico if I have to say this - you are not so good for my business."
"Wait a minute," interrupts Rosberg. "That is a hard call."
"It sounds harder than it is meant," says Ecclestone. "Unfortunately you don't have the German fans on your side. As the cancellation of the German Grand Prix indicates, Germany is a terrible market for Formula One.
"On the contrary Lewis is a hero in the UK," says the man who for years threatened to end Grand Prix racing in Britain. "The British love Formula One. Sebastian is also not doing much for F1. People hardly recognize him on the street."
Asked if he feels that F1 is lacking figureheads, Ecclestone replies: "Yes. I also would rather race than strut red carpets in Hollywood - and thank God this is not my job - but also the team principals should be more prominent. Take away Toto Wolff's Mercedes shirt and send him down a street - nobody would recognize him."
Which suggests that (Red Bull boss) Christian Horner's much publicised marriage to Geri Halliwell will have gone down extremely well with Bernie and his business interests.
In some ways, one would like to think that this is Ecclestone's (Gerald) Ratner moment (Google it). His comments, in terms of F1 support in Britain are risible when one considers the total contempt he showed for British fans until Silverstone finally gave in to his excessive demands.
As for his comments about Hamilton, Lewis is selling himself not F1, it is the sport's business to sell F1, not the participants.
Fact is, one person who can walk down almost any street in the world and be recognised is Mr Bernard Charles Ecclestone, and that is because in recent years he has been a regular feature on TV screens and newspapers... attracting the sort of publicity his business really doesn't need.