Ecclestone Rejects Claim He Called F1 'Crap'
Bernie Ecclestone has denied describing Formula One as a "crap product", clarifying that his criticism was aimed at the current engine regulations rather than the sport itself.
Bernie Ecclestone has denied calling Formula One a "crap product", distancing himself from headlines that circulated during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend. The F1 commercial chief insisted his remarks about the state of the sport were misrepresented, clarifying that his criticism targeted the hybrid engine era rather than Formula One as a whole.
Reports emerged after Ecclestone spoke to the AFP news agency, where he used the word "crap" in reference to the turbo V6 hybrid power units introduced in 2014. These engines have drawn criticism from various figures in the paddock for their subdued sound, high cost and reliability issues. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff responded to the reports with irony, suggesting Ecclestone's comment was hardly a great sales pitch for the sport.
When asked directly in Austria whether he had called F1 a "crap product", Ecclestone expressed surprise and dismissed the quote as inaccurate. He clarified that while he believes the championship is currently unbalanced, dominated by one team winning too easily, he does not see the sport itself as fundamentally broken.
Focus on engine rules and penalties
Ecclestone reiterated his long-standing opposition to the hybrid engine formula, arguing that the regulations have made the sport too complex and expensive. He pointed to the recent 50-place grid penalty handed to McLaren-Honda in Austria as evidence that the rules are confusing for teams and fans alike. The FIA's technical explanations for such penalties have been criticised within the paddock as overly complicated and difficult to follow.
Ecclestone said the sport needs a thorough review of its sporting regulations, especially those affecting race penalties and grid positions. He argued that the complexity of the rules alienates fans, with many unable or unwilling to follow the reasoning behind grid demotions and technical sanctions. This sentiment has been echoed by team principals and drivers frustrated by the current penalty system.
Context within ongoing F1 criticism
Ecclestone has made no secret of his dislike for the current engine era, but he stopped short of writing off Formula One as a whole. The debate over hybrid power units and sporting regulations continues to divide opinion in the paddock, with some, such as Mercedes, defending the direction and others, including Ecclestone, calling for change. For more on Ecclestone's views about struggling teams, see Ecclestone says struggling F1 teams' collapse would not worry him.
