Ecclestone praises Ferrari for sporting approach

Bernie Ecclestone has praised Ferrari's approach to racing this season after the Scuderia didn't switch their drivers round in the latter stages of the Austrian Grand Prix. With how close the championship has been so far in 2018, many may have been expecting Ferrari to make the switch.

Speaking to Sport Bild, Ecclestone was quick to sing Ferrari's praises for not swapping Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel around during the Austrian Grand Prix.

"Everyone can take an example from Ferrari's sportsmanship.

"It would have been easy to wave Vettel past shortly before the end, but Ferrari didn't," Ecclestone said.

"So they kept up not only sporting fairness, but also Kimi's morale.

"Ferrari has finally made the step I was waiting for for so long," said the 87-year-old.

"Sebastian really deserves the title. Hopefully it doesn't hurt him that Ferrari gave up those three points."

The result meant that for the fourth consecutive race, the championship lead changed hands between Vettel and Lewis Hamilton, a statistic that might well be extended this weekend at Hamilton's home grand prix.

Whilst Hamilton hasn't lost on home soil since 2013, Ferrari has brought two new updates to their floor and diffuser, which could make the vital difference in the race on Sunday.