Bernie Ecclestone: unnecessary tensions during a memorable season
Bernie Ecclestone has commented on last year's conflict between FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and the drivers, calling it an unnecessary stain on an already epic World Championship season. The former Formula 1 boss believes that the sport's handling of these incidents is in decline.
Ecclestone took a stand on this persistent dispute which accompanied Ben Sulayem's tenure as president, marked by confrontations with pilots. Debates from wearing jewelry to swearing throughout the year have contributed to escalating tensions between the FIA and Formula 1 stars.
The latest clash focused on the ban on swearing, with particular attention paid to Max Verstappen, who used colorful expressions to describe the performance of his Red Bull RB20. In reaction, Ben Sulayem declared: “We must distinguish between our sport, motorsport, and rap music. We're not rappers, you know. »
In this publicized face-to-face between the FIA and Verstappen, the quadruple world champion received the unanimous support of his peers: “In my opinion, we are taking the wrong direction. We become too strict about everything from rules to enforcement. »
“We have lost a bit of the human aspect of Formula 1. We remember well the way the drivers expressed themselves in the past. I'm not saying that using swear words is okay, but it's normal that sometimes people feel the need to express themselves in a more direct way, without worrying too much about the words used. »
“In my time, no one had a problem with it, and I doubt there is anyone today who is offended by certain statements,” recalls Ecclestone, who ruled F1 with one hand of iron for almost fifty years.
A look back at the times of Ecclestone and Mosley
Max Mosley, former FIA president and Ecclestone's right-hand man, had “sold” the sport to Bernie, who founded the Formula One Group in 1987 and controlled the commercial rights to Formula 1 until 2017. The 28 June 2010, in Geneva, delegates from more than 70 motorsport associations voted unanimously to approve a deal that ceded F1's commercial rights to FIA, a transfer which took effect until December 31, 2110.
These rights were transferred to Ecclestone for a period of 100 years, without auction since he was the only one to have submitted an offer. The delegates were sworn to secrecy to avoid any leaks.
During Ecclestone's time running the F1 paddock, the FIA was happy with the results of the deal, leaving Ecclestone to run the sport as he pleased. This came to an end in 2016, however, when Liberty Media bought out the commercial rights and ended Ecclestone's tenure as chief executive of the Formula One Group in January 2017.
Ecclestone: Ben Sulayem in a delicate position
Initially, Jean Todt focused on road safety, going very little to Formula 1. This changed with the arrival of Ben Sulayem in December 2021. The first non-European president of the FIA had to shake up habits, and his often confrontational approach marked a departure from Todt's more discreet style.
Ben Sulayem has regularly been at odds with Liberty Media executives, pilots, as well as some of his own collaborators. The tension with Verstappen was so high that the Dutch driver raised the possibility of leaving Formula 1 in interviews.
Regarding these tensions, Ecclestone said: “I think the president is doing what he thinks is right in adapting things according to his vision. He may be right, but we must not forget the importance of the human aspect in this sport. »
“As for Verstappen threatening to retire, I don't think it needs to come to that. Ben Sulayem finds himself in a difficult situation because the pilots perceive him differently. Currently he is doing what he considers necessary, without expressing his personal opinion on the matter,” added Ecclestone.
Good to know
- Bernie Ecclestone was at the helm of F1 for almost fifty years, strongly influencing the image of the sport.
- Mohammed Ben Sulayem is the first non-European president of the FIA, bringing a distinctive leadership style.
- Tensions between the FIA and drivers are not new and have often been a reflection of changing values in the sport.
