Formula One: F1 needs fresh start after ‘dictator’

Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team's German driver Nico Rosberg drives his car during the Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang on October 2, 2016. / AFP PHOTO /

Bernie Ecclestone’s four-decade reign as a “dictator” of Formula One had to end if the sport is to have the fresh start it needs, new chairman and chief executive Chase Carey says. “He has run this sport for his entire adult life and I respect completely that this is a difficult change,” Carey said.

“We have tried to deal with him with the respect he’s due, which is why we offered him the chairman emeritus title. “I have been sincere in saying I value his help and advice as we go forward.

“He calls himself a dictator. He has run it as a one-man dictator for a long time. I think the sport needs a fresh perspective. “But he has a lot to continue to offer and he will always be part of the F1 family.”