Adapted from GMM
Formula 1 big boss Bernie Ecclestone turns 80 today, October 28. The small world of F1 has to start thinking about his successor.
Mercedes GP’s Ross Brawn admitted he is concerned there is no "structure" in place to replace the diminutive Briton who has steered and shaped F1 for decades.
"We discuss it frequently," he told the Telegraph. "We don't have a solution. That is one of our fears. A succession plan for Bernie and (F1's owners) CVC is not clear and is one of the things which teams are always seeking clarity on," said Brawn.
But Max Mosley, the former long-time FIA president whose career in F1 politics began as Ecclestone's lawyer and sidekick in the 70s, is confident the sport will not implode without him.
"No, it would just be different," he said.
"When I wanted to step down from the FIA in 2004 I was told I couldn't until I had a succession plan. Bernie needs a succession plan too but, secretly, he probably has one," added Mosley.
Red Bull marked Mr. E’s birthday in Korea last weekend with a mischievous present.
It was a zimmer frame, featuring a Red Bull front wing and a special F1-style steering wheel with a range of custom buttons.
And according to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, Ecclestone did not intend to mark the occasion of his actual birthday on Thursday.
"I hate parties," he replied.
Formula 1 big boss Bernie Ecclestone turns 80 today, October 28. The small world of F1 has to start thinking about his successor.
Mercedes GP’s Ross Brawn admitted he is concerned there is no "structure" in place to replace the diminutive Briton who has steered and shaped F1 for decades.
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| Mr. E with Red Bull's Christian Horner and Sebastian Vettel. Photo: WRI2 |
"We discuss it frequently," he told the Telegraph. "We don't have a solution. That is one of our fears. A succession plan for Bernie and (F1's owners) CVC is not clear and is one of the things which teams are always seeking clarity on," said Brawn.
But Max Mosley, the former long-time FIA president whose career in F1 politics began as Ecclestone's lawyer and sidekick in the 70s, is confident the sport will not implode without him.
"No, it would just be different," he said.
"When I wanted to step down from the FIA in 2004 I was told I couldn't until I had a succession plan. Bernie needs a succession plan too but, secretly, he probably has one," added Mosley.
Red Bull marked Mr. E’s birthday in Korea last weekend with a mischievous present.
It was a zimmer frame, featuring a Red Bull front wing and a special F1-style steering wheel with a range of custom buttons.
And according to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, Ecclestone did not intend to mark the occasion of his actual birthday on Thursday.
"I hate parties," he replied.