Ecclestone convinced: 'As long as Verstappen drives in F1, it will stay that way'

F1 News

Ecclestone calls Verstappen the best driver since F1 was founded
6 November 2023 at 13:38
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  • Matt Gretton
  • Editor-in-Chief

Bernie Ecclestone has not been Formula 1's big boss for many years, but the 93-year-old Briton is still a regular topic of conversation. Nor does he shy away from giving his unvarnished opinion. For instance, he has praised Max Verstappen several times before, who, according to the former F1 owner, is without any doubt the best driver the sport has ever known.

Ecclestone was at the helm of motorsport's top class for over 40 years. That came to an end in 2017, a few months after US Liberty Media took a majority stake in F1. Yet the former Mr Formula 1 can still be found regularly in the paddock.

Ecclestone: 'Verstappen the best driver since F1 was founded'

He has experienced some of the all-time greats up close, but there is one who stands out head and shoulders above them, according to Ecclestone. "Max is the best driver to have driven in Formula 1 since the sport was founded," he let NOS record.

He also has a few things to say about the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort. In 1986, the Dutch GP disappeared from the calendar because, according to Ecclestone, it was "a mess commercially" and besides, the circuit was dangerous. It was never among his favourites, but since its re-entry, that has changed.

Ecclestone changed his mind about Zandvoort

Ecclestone says he is happy with the return of the F1 race at Zandvoort. "It looks much better, the organisation is doing well. It is mainly thanks to Verstappen of course, but besides that there are plenty of people who have put their shoulders to the wheel," he explained. He himself has not yet visited the Dutch GP, but he makes a promise about that: "Next year, I'll come."

The former F1 boss sees the GP at Zandvoort having a positive effect on other Grands Prix, more and more of which are adopting the Dutch example - especially in terms of entertainment. There is no definite word yet on Circuit Zandvoort's contract beyond 2025, but there is no need to worry about that, according to Ecclestone. "As long as Max drives in Formula 1, Zandvoort will remain on the calendar," he stated.