Bernie Ecclestone believes that his own demise as Formula 1 boss could hurt the sport, and he claims this is something the sport’s owners fear even amid a corruption scandal that could see the him jailed.
The 83-year-old likened his situation to that of former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, whose retirement last year coincided with a decline in the great football team’s form.
“I have got a sneaking feeling our board are probably football enthusiasts and saw what happened when they got rid of that guy from Manchester United,” Ecclestone told Formula 1 business journalist Christian Sylt, writing in the Sunday Express.
Meanwhile, McLaren’s returning supremo Ron Dennis has said he does not think Christian Horner – reportedly Ecclestone’s personal pick – should succeed the 83-year-old.
“Personally, and I have nothing against either Christian or any other Team Principal,” Dennis told British Sky television, “I don’t think it would be a wise decision to put any former Team Principal into the position of running Formula 1.
“There’s too much conflict [of interest],” he insisted. (GMM)
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