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Brawn lacks the big picture of politics - Ecclestone

It is a well known fact that there is no love lost between Bernie Ecclestone and Ross Brawn, with the latter often saying that he could never have worked with the former F1 supremo.

Indeed, had Ecclestone remained at the helm of F1 after the sport was taken over by Liberty Media, it's unlikely Brawn would have accepted to assume his current role of sporting manager, such was the divide between the two men's views on how to take F1 forward.

Speaking to Switzerland's Blick recently, Ecclestone expressed his hope that F1 will thrive under its new triumvirate management structure represented by CEO Chase Carey, sporting manager Ross Brawn and commercial manager Sean Bratches.

But he also took a dig at the former Ferrari and Mercedes strategist.

"Ross never had an insight into our business," Ecclestone said.

"He worked as an engineer with Flavio Briatore at Benetton. Then he went to Ferrari, and I don't want to talk about how he later ran his team.

"But he does not have the big picture of politics and commercial processes," added the 86-year-old.

Ecclestone, who has visited the paddock several times this year, isn't wishing ill on anyone however and would be more than happy to see F1 succeed in its new era.

"And I will be the first to congratulate those responsible," said Ecclestone. "But it is not there yet."

Asked what advice he would give Carey, Brawn and co, he answered:

"Why should I recommend anything to these gentlemen? They have different views, as I said before."

 

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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