F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Hamilton brushes off Ecclestone 'not the racer he was' dig

Like many, Lewis Hamilton doesn't give much importance to what Bernie Ecclestone has to say these days.

The former F1 supremo, a visitor to the Baku paddock this weekend, took a dig at the four-time world champion, claiming he looked "fed up with things" and was perhaps no longer "the racer he used to be".

Hamilton was asked if he had a reaction to the 87-year-old's comments, but the Mercedes star refused to dwell on the subject.

"Not really, no," he replied, adding "We'll see at the end of the year," when asked if he is as good as he's ever been.

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff offered his two cents on Ecclestone's quip, dismissing it as just another hand grenade Mr. E likes to lob into the paddock once in a while.

"It's Bernie! He comes in and throws a hand grenade and it's in the papers. It's great! But how the news runs these days, we are oscillating between exuberance and depression and back again," Wolff said.

"When things are not going in the right direction it's doomsday and when you win two races in a row it is the 'utter Mercedes dominance destroying the sport'. Maybe it is somewhere in the middle!

"We haven't collectively performed on the level we would have wanted to and in the last races there were three races we could have won and we didn't," he added.

"No, I still see the fire and desire to win very much burning in him. This is Lewis, not Bernie!"

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Las Vegas GP: Hamilton leads Mercedes 1-2 in trouble-free FP1

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell led the field in a chilly but trouble-free first practice…

1 hour ago

2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix Free Practice 1 - Results

Full results from Free Practice 1 for the Las Vegas Grand Prix in the United…

1 hour ago

Aston Martin says performance shortfall led to Fallows exit

Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough has shed some light on why the team’s former…

11 hours ago

FIA clamps down on plank loophole after Red Bull complaint

The FIA has issued a pivotal Technical Directive to F1 teams ahead of this weekend’s…

12 hours ago

F1 drivers blindsided by race director Wittich’s sudden exit

The abrupt removal last week of FIA race director Niels Wittich with just three races…

13 hours ago

McLaren relaxes ‘papaya rules’: Norris and Piastri free to race

Oscar Piastri has confirmed that McLaren’s team orders—dubbed the "Papaya Rules"—have been largely relaxed, giving…

15 hours ago