Bernie Ecclestone handed over the reins of Formula 1 to Liberty Media quite a few years ago. However, since then, he has always found a way to remain in the news. Earlier this year, he sent the Formula 1 world into a frenzy when he claimed he and Max Mosley knew about Crashgate. This has even prompted Felipe Massa to pursue legal action against Formula 1 and the FIA. This time around, he has compared Mercedes teammates George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. Here’s what he had to say.
“Can’t make up my mind”
Bernie Ecclestone said that he can’t make up his mind about George Russell. According to Bernie, George Russell does not think his race through like Lewis Hamilton does. This is a huge statement about the young Mercedes driver and comes hot on the heels of the Singapore GP.
On George Russell, he said, “I can’t make up my mind about him, I like him. He is super-talented. It is a matter of what he is prepared to do to win. He was hoping Carlos (Sainz) would run out of road at the last race. He was pushing very, very hard. I don’t think he thinks his race through, something Lewis does do.”
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George Russell at the Singapore GP
Mercedes pulled off a brave strategy in Singapore. They gave up track position with both George Russell and Lewis Hamilton in order to win. George was ahead but Lewis was clear faster. However, Mercedes did not swap their drivers.
On the final lap, George Russell made a mistake while following the gearbox of Lando Norris. He crashed into the barriers and out of the race. This incident is what spurred Bernie Ecclestone to make such a comment.
“Max is the best”
Apart from George Russell, Bernie Ecclestone also talked about Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri. Bernie holds Max in very high regard. He has gone as far as to say Max is the best-ever driver in Formula 1.
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He said, “If I were a team owner, I think I’d get hold of the Australian kid (Oscar Piastri). He’s very good. But Max is the best I have ever seen.” As we said, he doesn’t fail to make headlines in Formula 1.