Ecclestone: "The confrontation with the drivers will not go well for long"

Recently, the new race directors Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas have been much criticised. Former Formula 1 driver Gerhard Berger is far from surprised by the criticism and saw it coming a mile away. In the meantime, Bernie Ecclestone points at FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who, according to the Briton, has to give 'clear signals' to prevent the drivers' discontent from increasing.

Berger criticises Wittich

As DTM boss, Berger has the necessary experience with Wittich, who was previously the race director of that racing class. "I am not surprised by the discussions in Formula 1 at the moment," the Austrian said in conversation with Sport1. "Let me put it this way: I know Niels Wittich's strengths, but also his weaknesses."

Ecclestone points at FIA president

Former Formula 1 boss Ecclestone agrees and understands the criticism of the drivers. "Since the death of Charlie Whiting, the race directors have only made fools of themselves. Charlie has left a void that nobody can come close to," says the Brit. He adds that Whiting did not bother with 'irrelevant nonsense' but always saw the essence that was good for the sport.

Ecclestone believes there is an important role to be played in the current conflict by FIA president Ben Sulayem, who regularly acts as a mediator. "He must now send clear signals because the confrontation with the drivers will not go well for long," warns the former F1 chief, who incidentally also suggests a solution: Herbie Blash, the chief advisor to the race directors, should resign his advisory role and be appointed as race director. Due to his long experience and collaboration with Whiting, Ecclestone is convinced that Blash would be as respected in his role as Whiting was in his time.