Ecclestone praises Verstappen: 'Fans have wanted to see someone like this'

According to Bernie Ecclestone, Formula 1's current popularity is mainly due to Max Verstappen. Ecclestone, who was in charge of Formula 1 for more than 40 years, tells De Telegraaf that Verstappen is exactly what fans are looking for in a driver.

The 92-year-old isn't often in the paddock these days, but he was in Brazil. He is still closely involved with the organisation. His wife is vice-president of the FIA and Ecclestone himself still has good ties with the various team owners and executives in the sport. He gets on particularly well with Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, and is therefore very fond of the team.

In Brazil, Ecclestone was, exceptionally, present again and was only too happy to let us know how he sees the current state of Formula 1. Ecclestone sold the sport on to Liberty Media in 2017, just as Verstappen was on his rise. "A lot has changed," says Ecclestone. "But Formula 1 should thank Max Verstappen. He is a racer. He does what he has to do: he just races. The fans have wanted to see someone like that for a long time."

Verstappen brings Formula 1 back to the Netherlands

Ecclestone himself was the one who decided to take the Zandvoort circuit off the calendar in 1985. Due to Verstappen's successes and increased popularity, the circuit has returned to the Formula 1 calendar since last year, which Ecclestone says is only logical given the amount of support Verstappen is getting in the Netherlands.

Ecclestone sees plenty of opportunities for Verstappen in the future: "It depends on his car, but if Red Bull have their act together, I don't see why he can't keep winning. Whether Max will ever break the record of seven world titles? Who knows. Let's hope so."