Bernie Ecclestone's time as Formula 1 boss ends after a plethora of controversies
Updated
British business magnate Bernie Ecclestone's reign as boss of Formula 1 is no more, with new owners Liberty Media confirming it is replacing the 86-year-old with American Chase Carey.
Ecclestone has been in charge of the racing code for 40 years, leading it through some of the sport's greatest ups and downs and making a name as a divisive character.
"I'm proud of the business that I built over the last 40 years and all that I have achieved with Formula One," Ecclestone said in a statement.
"I am sure that Chase will execute his role in a way that will benefit the sport."
No stranger to controversy
Ecclestone endured more that his fair share of controversy over the course of his reign, most notably for some ridiculous comments and questionable decisions.
His remarks at times ranged from the irresponsible to the downright offensive. For example...
"I've got one of those wonderful ideas ... women should be dressed in white like all the other domestic appliances."
This inexplicable comment came in 2005, discussing the validity of women racing against men.
"I don't know whether a woman would physically be able to drive an F1 car quickly, and they wouldn't be taken seriously."
More dated commentary on the role of women in what ought to be a growing sport.
"In a lot of ways, terrible to say this I suppose, but apart from the fact that Hitler got taken away and persuaded to do things that I have no idea whether he wanted to do or not he was, in the way that he could command a lot of people, able to get things done."
Yes, that is Adolf Hitler that Ecclestone is referring to in this 2009 quote.
"[Putin] is a first-class person. I always supported him. He could control Europe or America; he is able to deal with it. But I think he is very busy. Let him finish what he's doing and then we'll see."
Ecclestone praising Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"I went to my daughter's wedding last week and walked her down the aisle. But I didn't go to the celebrations the next day, I went home. I was there to do a job [give her away] and was happy to do that. I didn't want to hang around. The whole thing was a huge affair, too much really."
Nice one, Dad.
"What we ought to do immediately after that happens is have big sheets all the way around, bring the ambulance in ... and take him away. He's gone to the hospital and later on you announce that, thank God, he's out. A bit of showbiz. People like that."
Ecclestone here, in 2016, suggesting some theatre could be added to horror crashes in the sport.
Topics: formula-1, motor-sports, sport, united-kingdom
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