Bernie Ecclestone gives verdict on FIA – Max Verstappen controversy: “F1 is on the wrong track”. Bernie Ecclestone Calls for a More Human Formula 1.

Max Verstappen vs. the FIA
The direction taken by the FIA and Formula 1 in censoring the genuine expressions of its key figures is “the wrong one.” These are the thoughts of Bernie Ecclestone, who shared his opinion on the ongoing controversy between Max Verstappen and the International Federation in a lengthy interview with German broadcaster RTL. During the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, the world champion was sentenced to complete several hours of community service for using a swear word during Thursday’s press conference, violating the strict “anti-swearing” approach imposed by President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Bernie Ecclestone Calls for a More Human Formula 1
“I think the wrong direction has been taken,” explained the 93-year-old former head of the GP paddock. “We are becoming too surgical about everything, about the rules, about the enforcement of regulations… about everything. We have lost a bit of the human element of F1. You know very well what the language of drivers was like in the old days. Of course, I’m not saying people should swear, but it’s normal for people to want to express themselves a bit more clearly at times without worrying too much about the language they should use. In my time, no one took offense, and I doubt anyone is still upset about certain things today.” – the British former business magnate explained.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem “is right, but…”
However, Bernie Ecclestone did not point the finger at Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who recently complained about the excessive criticism received by the FIA: “I believe the President is doing what he thinks is right, that he is changing things for the way they should be. And he is probably right, but we must not eliminate the human element of the sport. Does Max Verstappen threaten to retire? Well, I don’t think that’s necessary. I believe Mohammed Ben Sulayem is in a very difficult position because he is seen a bit differently by the drivers. I think he is currently doing what he feels he must do and not expressing his real point of view on the matter.” – the former chief executive of the Formula One Group concluded.