Legendary Formula 1 figure Bernie Ecclestone makes a shocking appearance at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, stirring up the paddock with his bold statements. Despite retiring and leaving his roles behind in 2020, Ecclestone, now 94 and a half years old, is as sharp as ever and ready to voice his opinions on the sport that he helped shape into a global phenomenon.
Amidst discussions about the future of Frederic Vasseur at Ferrari, whose contract with the Italian team runs until December 2025, Ecclestone is adamant about the importance of continuity in leadership. He declares, “Ferrari needed five years to win with Michael Schumacher, McLaren with Mika Hakkinen, and Red Bull before Sebastian Vettel claimed his first world title in 2010. A team principal should be given at least five years to make an impact.”
His views are echoed by former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, who emphasizes that greatness takes time to build, citing the example that “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Drawing parallels to Jean Todt’s early struggles at Ferrari before achieving success, Schumacher highlights the significance of patience and trust in team leaders.
As the Formula 1 community buzzes with speculation and anticipation, Ecclestone’s unexpected presence and unwavering support for Vasseur have added fuel to the already fiery discussions surrounding Ferrari’s future. Will the Scuderia heed his advice and grant Vasseur the time he needs to steer the team towards victory? Only time will tell in this high-octane world of racing where every decision can make or break a championship dream.
