Ecclestone reveals: 'I was very unhappy after losing these races'

10:57, 15 Aug

byEstéban den Toom

Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone was asked which races he regretted not being able to hold. The now 94-year-old Englishman from Ipswich named two Grand Prix in response.

"South Korea and India! Ecclestone told in conversation F1 destinations. ''I was very, very unhappy after losing these races.''

''There was always politics in the background. With India it was very simple. The people there did an incredible job, really, but then the payment to us wasn’t carried out correctly, and we didn’t really know why.''

''It turned out to be an issue with the tax system in India. That’s why we couldn’t continue, although it was a very good circuit.''

Bernie Ecclestone

Where Formula 1 is likely going back in 2027

A Grand Prix that seems to be returning to the Formula 1 calendar is the Grand Prix of Portugal on the circuit of Portimão.

The prime minister of Portugal, Luís Montenegro, seemed to let it slip at a festival: “I can tell you that we have everything ready to officially make the return of Formula 1 to Algarve in 2027.''

''These events require some financial effort from the government, but they generate both direct and indirect promotional revenues that, frankly, are worth it.''

In 2020 and 2021, races were still run at Portimão. The Grand Prix of Portugal then served as a substitute during the Corona period.