Former F1 Chief Bernie Ecclestone Raises Eyebrows in the Paddock With Surprise F1 Visit Since Vladimir Putin Controversy

It seems Bernie Ecclestone, the former F1 supremo, is making a return. If you think this comeback is regarding the void, he left in the paddock, then you might be wrong. An FIA spokesperson clears the rumors about why Ecclestone is making a return visit to the Formula 1 circuit.

The 92-year-old mogul is all set to make a comeback to Formula 1 after 2019. To be more precise, the former F1 boss is returning after his controversial comments about Vladimir Putin, where he said he’d take a bullet for the President of Russia.

Earlier this year, the F1 supremo defended Putin’s action. But later, the 92-year-old apologized for his remarks. Fst forward to today, he was seen accompanying his better half Fabiana, who happens to be FIA’s vice president for South America.

The couple is living near the Brazilian track. They own a coffee farm and from there it’s a short helicopter ride to reach the Sao Paulo circuit. He was due a visit to the Austrian GP in July but chose to stay away amid the fuss over his comment.

A Formula 1 spokesperson told Sportsmail, “We made clear earlier this year that Bernie Ecclestone’s previous comments were something we disagreed with. ‘He was part of F1 for many decades and helped to build the sport, and he is attending the event with his wife, who is representing the FIA.”

READ MORE: F1 Supremo Bernie Ecclestone, Who Welcomed a Son Aged 89, Never Really Wanted a Male Heir

It was during the Russia and Ukraine conflict that Bernie Ecclestone created a buzz with his comments on his admiration for Vladimir Putin

Bernie Ecclestone hails Russian President Vladimir Putin

When global tensions were on the rise, the former F1 boss, who once brought Formula 1 back to Russia in 2014, admired the Russian president and his decisions.

Talking on the Good Morning Britain show, Ecclestone called Vladimir Putin a “first class person” and said, “I would still take a bullet for him. I’d rather it didn’t hurt but I would still take a bullet.”

He further added, “Unfortunately he’s like a lot of business people, certainly like me, we make mistakes from time to time. And when you’ve made a mistake you have to do your best to get out of it.”

WATCH THIS STORY: List of all the Russian Drivers in Formula One History

Despite the unpredictable weather conditions, every other F1 fan for the upcoming race weekend at the Interlagos circuit. Who do you think will stand at the stop step of the podium this week?