Baku good 'replacement' for Monza - Ecclestone
- Published on 19 Apr 2015 15:34
-
0
- By: Jeroen Jonkers
It was already known that the sport's chief executive had inked a deal for a street race in Baku, the capital of the oil-rich former Soviet country.
But earlier this week, it emerged that the Formula One Group had published a human rights policy vowing to respect "human rights in all of our activities".
But several independent bodies, such as Human Rights Watch, have repeatedly criticised the Azerbaijani government for its human rights record, including arbitrary arrests, indefinite detentions, beatings and torture.
Ecclestone, however, said in Bahrain: "Baku? No problem. That's going to be another good race."
Asked if he had conducted the "due diligence" promised in his the policy, he added: "We have. I think everybody seems to be happy. Doesn't seem to be any big problem there."
It appears Azerbaijan could be on the calendar while the historic Italian grand prix is not, as Monza race organisers are yet to agree a new deal with Ecclestone.
Reporters on Sunday told Ecclestone F1 without Monza is unthinkable.
"I was told that when we didn't have a race in France actually. And Germany now," he said. "We've got some good replacements, haven't we?"
Meanwhile, Ecclestone has been in talks with team bosses this weekend, as he presses his case for louder, cheaper and more powerful engines.
Mercedes' Toto Wolff earlier said the changes are heading for 2017, but Ecclestone said the sport needs to react "with maximum urgency".
"It's no good talking to these people -- they will have to be told," said Ecclestone.
"If its going to be the current engine upgraded to 1000 horse power then good -- and they need to supply it at a price that the team can afford to pay," he added. (GMM)
Trending news
-
Croft Says a Verstappen Sabbatical Could Leave Him With Only Aston Martin as a Way Back In
The idea of Max Verstappen taking a year away from Formula 1 has been circulating with increasing frequency, but Sky ...
16 Apr 2026 09:52 -
Schumacher Floats Verstappen to McLaren and Piastri to Red Bull Swap
The paddock rumour mill has produced a new scenario this week, and this one comes from Ralf Schumacher. The Lambiase ...
15 Apr 2026 16:02 -
Stella Says McLaren Are Stronger Than Ever and Ready to Attack From Miami
Andrea Stella is not pretending the season has gone to plan so far. McLaren lost both cars before the start in China,...
15 Apr 2026 14:59 -
Sky Sports Panel Says Aston Martin Situation Is a Nightmare With No Quick Fix
Aston Martin have endured one of the worst starts to a season in the modern era of Formula 1, and the people analysin...
15 Apr 2026 13:56 -
McLaren Targeting Miami With Norris and Piastri After Quiet but Real Progress
McLaren's progress between China and Japan was real, but understanding exactly what happened requires more than a...
15 Apr 2026 12:54
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Local time
-
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Local time
-
Friday
-
Saturday
-
Sunday
-
Friday
-
Saturday
-
Sunday
Test calendar
Circuit de Catalunya - Winter testing
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
World Championship standings 2026
Related news
Give your opinion!
Formula 1 Calendar - 2026
Formula 1 Calendar - 2026
Team profile
- Team name Mercedes
- Base Brackley, Germany
- Michael Schumacher 3
- Nico Rosberg 4
- Nico Rosberg 6
- Michael Schumacher 7
- Nico Rosberg 8
- Nico Rosberg 8
- Nico Rosberg 9
- Lewis Hamilton 10
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli 12
- Lewis Hamilton 44
- George Russell 63
- Valtteri Bottas 77
633,059 comments on Mercedes
59 members have this team as their favourite
Tweets about Mercedes

Replies (0)
Login to reply