Ecclestone dials back controversial statements about Putin

Bernie Ecclestone, the former owner of Formula 1, has recently been in the news again because of some striking statements. But according to the Brit, the statements were misinterpreted.

Even when Ecclestone was still the big boss of Formula 1, the businessman was regularly in trouble. Not only because of ideas for the sport, such as installing sprinklers next to a circuit, but also because of controversial statements. Ecclestone has stepped it up a notch since his departure from the F1 world.

The former owner said just last week that he would 'take a bullet for Vladimir Putin'. It seemed that Ecclestone approved of the invasion of Ukraine, but that is not the case at all according to himself. The Briton says so in an interview with Sky Sports F1.

"People sometimes do or say things without thinking. I have probably done the same. People may think I am defending what Putin did in Ukraine and that is certainly not the case," Ecclestone explained. "I am very sorry if people feel hurt by my statements, that was not my intention!"

Experience with war

In the interview, Ecclestone says he would never sanction a war because he grew up in World War II and knows what such a situation does to people. The Briton feels sorry for the people of Ukraine and the suffering they are going through 'for something they are not to blame for'.

Ecclestone calls on Putin and Zelensky to get back on the table and put an end to the situation, because the war will 'not help anyone'.