Ecclestone: Toto Wolff’s Action Showed How Formula 1 is Becoming a ‘Disaster’

The Formula 1 season finale in Abu Dhabi was one of its kind. The two title protagonists went into the last race with equal points. However, the race unfolded in a dramatic fashion and Max Verstappen ended up winning his maiden world title. However, the Brackley team boss raised concerns over the decisions of Race Director Michael Masi and contested them on the appellant forum.

More Recently, Former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone shared his thoughts on the protests by the Mercedes team. He is of the opinion that protests like these undermine the authority of race managers. The Briton believes that is merely an attempt to influence the decisions suiting the personal interests of team bosses, in this case, Toto Wolff.

Ecclestone is highly critical of Toto Wolff

The former Formula 1 boss came in all guns blazing at the Silver Arrows boss after he objected to Masi’s decisions during the Abu Dhabi GP. Ecclestone said that the sport is becoming lesser about the competition and more about the politics.

“It’s a disaster for Formula 1. It shows where its weaknesses lie. Sport suffers from the fact that it is no longer just about pure competition, but about the interest of a few individuals,” said Ecclestone as reported by F1 Insider.

“It’s a joke, as everyone can hear, that team bosses like Toto Wolff try to influence decisions made by the race management during a race. And how at Red Bull you feel compelled to defend yourself against this attempted influence,” added the 91-year old.

He even went on to say that tactical moves like these completely wash out the great piece of racing by drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. “The great sport that Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton offered is therefore completely lost. It’s a shame.”

Max Verstappen is the rightful Formula 1 champion

The Briton believes that the Red Bull driver deserved to win the WDC. The on-track heroics of Verstappen were for everyone to see. However, Ecclestone is of the opinion that the Dutchman handled the outside pressure exceptionally as well.

On being asked about this in a recent interview, this is what the 91-year old said. “Absolutely. At a young age, he prevailed against Lewis Hamilton, one of the best and most successful drivers of all time.” as reported by F1 Insider.

“And not just on the track. Because Hamilton’s team pulled out all the stops, including media, to unsettle Max. You can almost talk about bullying,” he added.

However, the two protests by the Brackley team have been rejected by the Stewards. They have until Thursday to appeal against the decisions and will be interesting to see how the team plans on moving ahead with the same.

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