Ecclestone gives harsh verdict on Mercedes: 'Hamilton failed'

Max Verstappen is currently unbeatable. Bernie Ecclestone believes that is not just down to Red Bull's performance. The former Formula One boss is convinced Verstappen could also win in a Mercedes, McLaren or Ferrari.

Ecclestone: 'Verstappen can win in any car'

The combination of Verstappen and Red Bull was almost unbeatable in the 2023 F1 season. They won all but one Grand Prix. Ferrari were the only other team to get one victory. According to Ecclestone, rival teams could have won more often with Verstappen as a driver.

"They have patiently endured Mercedes' victories in recent years by replacing every weak link one by one and having the best team, the best design, the best car and the best driver. Christian Horner has done an excellent job," Ecclestone expressed his admiration for the team to the German newspaper Sport Bild.

The former Formula 1 boss sees no end to Red Bull's success for now. He names Ferrari as the biggest contender to challenge the reigning world champion. He does not see Mercedes getting the job done. The W14's concept "could be thrown in the bin". But there is more at play than that, explains the 93-year-old Briton.

Ecclestone gives harsh judgement on Mercedes

"Lewis Hamilton failed a bit and George Russell was not as good as he thought he was," Ecclestone explained his harsh verdict. According to the businessman, if Max Verstappen had been their driver, Toto Wolff's team could have performed better.

According to Ecclestone, it is not the team but the driver who makes the difference in this case. "Max is the measure of everything at the moment. You could put him in a McLaren, but probably also in a Ferrari or Mercedes and he would win," he concluded. One other driver stood out in 2023 in the eyes of the former F1 chief: "Oscar Piastri impressed me the most. One day he will be champion," Ecclestone said.