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
-
Argentina Is Seriously Pursuing a Return to the Formula 1 Calendar
Franco Colapinto has done something for Argentine motorsport that no amount of marketing could replicate: he has made...
03 Apr 2026 11:56 -
Verstappen's Worst Season Start in Ten Years: The Numbers Behind the Slump
Three races in, Max Verstappen has twelve points and sits ninth in the world championship. By his own exceptional sta...
03 Apr 2026 16:14 -
Drivers' WhatsApp Group Has "Exploded" as GPDA Confirms Widespread Frustration With 2026 Rules
The discontent among Formula 1 drivers over the 2026 regulations is not a Max Verstappen problem. It is a paddock-wid...
03 Apr 2026 14:58 -
Windsor Predicts Verstappen Will Leave F1: "The Rules Have Reduced Him to an Ordinary Driver"
Peter Windsor has gone further than most analysts in his assessment of Max Verstappen's future. The veteran journ...
03 Apr 2026 13:57 -
Reconstruction: Antonelli Is Creating a Verstappen-Style Culture Shock at Mercedes
Formula 1 appears to have a new prodigy. Andrea Kimi Antonelli has won his first two races in China and Japan, taken ...
03 Apr 2026 12:58
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
632,774 comments on Mercedes
59 members have this team as their favourite
Tweets about Mercedes

Replies (0)
Login to reply