Ecclestone says 'neglecting' Todt must take back the reins of F1

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Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has taken another dig at Formula 1's current state of affairs, saying FIA president Jean Todt is neglecting the sport.

Ecclestone has been a regular critic of F1's new commercial rights holder, Liberty Media, since he was ousted from F1 at the beginning of last year.

While the 87-year-old never loses an opportunity to pick apart Liberty's management, Mr. E also takes aim at the man at the head of motorsport's governing body.

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"Jean Todt is very busy with many aspects to look after," Ecclestone told French sports daily L'Equipe.

"He works 24 hours a day, but he neglects F1. His main project is road safety, but he must not lose sight of the sport.

"Liberty could distort and ruin F1 because they have no experience. I hope Jean takes back the reins for the future of Formula 1. The FIA must be the master of the kingdom," he added.

Ecclestone also addressed the quit threats regularly being made by top teams Mercedes and Ferrari.

"Mercedes is doing an exceptional job and it would be damaging to lose them, but Ferrari is the key," he said.

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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.