Ecclestone bets on Verstappen: "I hope I don't lose my money"
F1 News
- GPblog.com
Bernie Ecclestone hasn't been officially active in Formula 1 for a few years now, but that doesn't stop him from giving his opinion on a regular basis. The former Formula 1 boss also has a clear opinion about the battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in the world championship.
Long awaited battle Verstappen and Hamilton
"We have waited a long time for this. This is why fans watch Formula 1," Ecclestone said in an interview with RTL. The battle between Hamilton and Verstappen reminds the 91-year-old Briton of the battle between Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna. "Verstappen and Hamilton are both very competitive in their own way. Both have their own style. The fans want that competition. They don't want to know before the start who is going to win."
Ecclestone reveals he has put his money on Max Verstappen when it comes to winning the world title this season. "I hope I don't lose my money". Moreover, he is not the only one who thinks this way. "Everyone I talk to is hoping Verstappen will be champion." It is, therefore, time for a new world champion, thinks Ecclestone. "It would be nice to see someone else win the world championship this year."
New crash between Hamilton and Verstappen?
"Of course it's possible," Ecclestone replied when asked if we can expect another crash between Hamilton and Verstappen in the final races. "But I think both drivers don't want that. They won't be happy about that." Moreover, he hopes the decision won't come until Abu Dhabi. "I hope they go to Abu Dhabi with the same number of points."
Hamilton retiring
When Ecclestone is asked if Hamilton winning an eighth title also makes him a greater driver than Michael Schumacher [with seven titles] the Briton is resolute. "No, not at all. In fact, I'm surprised Lewis didn't say at the beginning of this year, 'I'm quitting. I don't want to win more races than Michael, win more championships. I'd rather Michael kept that honour'."