Bernie Ecclestone has branded Formula 1 “crap”, whilst calling for immediate change to ensure it doesn’t remain that way in future.
It’s not the first time the 85-year-old has referred to the sport as ‘crap’, but this time Ecclestone might have the power to change it after he and FIA president Jean Todt were granted powers to “make recommendations and decisions regarding a number of pressing issues”.
One of the big issues is that of engine penalties according to the billionaire.
“The problem is, I see things as they are and not the way I want them to be,” he is quoted as saying by Germany’s Motorsport magazine.
“Do you think it’s right when Fernando Alonso – you’ve probably heard of him, he’s a former world champion – is at the back of the starting grid? Is it right that a driver changes his engine, qualifies in third place and then has to start from 13th? Is that right?”
Ecclestone hinted that he could force change, as at present, it often takes years for new rules to be implemented unless unanimous agreement is sought, which is often rare in F1.
“Formula One is crap. Right now, we need to look at these things. The public has no understanding of that. They watch the race, know that someone has qualified second or third but is now suddenly starting from the middle of the grid. And why? Because they’ve changed their engine. Or their gearbox.
“We can solve this problem, but we can’t wait several years.”