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<h1>Bernie Ecclestone's Views and Their Impact on Formula 1</h1>
<p>One has to ponder what the new Formula 1 fans, who have entered the sport during the <em>Drive to Survive</em> era, think of the 95-year-old Bernie Ecclestone. It's curious why his opinions still hold such weight, especially given his recent comments to the German broadcaster RTL and the sports site sport.de, which seem to blend rambling with straightforward observations—often laced with mischief.</p>
<p>Declaring <a href="https://www.autosport.com/driver/george-russell/840489/">George Russell</a> and <a href="https://www.autosport.com/team/mercedes/36495/">Mercedes</a> as title contenders is hardly daring. Similarly, promoting <a href="https://www.autosport.com/driver/gabriel-bortoleto/950453/">Gabriel Bortoleto</a> as a future champion doesn’t require boldness from someone who resides on a sprawling coffee plantation in Brazil and has influenced Bortoleto’s ascent.</p>
<p>His bland comments on <a href="https://www.autosport.com/team/audi/49024/">Audi</a> and <a href="https://www.autosport.com/team/ferrari/36466/">Ferrari</a>, along with <a href="https://www.autosport.com/driver/lewis-hamilton/829181/">Lewis Hamilton</a>, would likely have gone unnoticed if made by anyone else. The real highlight of his statements was his critique of the new technical regulations.</p>
<p>He lamented, “The start of the season will lead to confusion as everyone must relearn Formula 1. The regulations do not favor <a href="https://www.autosport.com/driver/max-verstappen/829269/">Max Verstappen</a> or his driving style.” He further asserted that the focus has shifted from pure racing, claiming, “Formula 1 now more closely resembles Formula E, with excessive rules that restrict drivers.”</p>
<p>While these perspectives might resonate with some, it’s vital to remember that during his tenure, F1 often favored the affluent, leaving many teams struggling to keep up financially. Ecclestone’s track record and current appearances, like the recent call to "bring back V10s," keep him relevant, albeit often stirring up trouble for the current rights holders.</p>
<p>His recent remarks seem intentionally provocative, meant to challenge the status quo of F1. While once difficult to contact, he now seems unrestrained, perhaps reflecting the freedom that comes with retirement—and a keen interest in the sport's ongoing evolution.</p>
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