Ross Brawn, Formula 1's new managing director of sport, wants Grand Prix racing to return to an era when drivers were perceived as veritable heroes.
The Brit, who is now in charge of defining the future path of Formula 1, pointed to F1 legend and former protégé Michael Schumacher as the sort of emblematic figure he would like to see in the sport.
"Michael was a hero," the Briton told Germany's Sport Bild.
"But hero worship is no longer promoted," said Brawn, although he thinks that will change thanks to his bosses at Liberty Media.
"They come from a world of stars," he said.
Drivers Brawn considers as potentially worthy of 'hero' status are Sebastian Vettel, because he drives for Ferrari, and the more rebellious Max Verstappen for his flamboyant and daring driving.
Speaking to Sport Bild, the 62-year-old engineer also believes it is necessary to put Germany back on the F1 calendar in the near future.
"We need the history in Formula 1, and Germany is part of that," he said.
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