New era "a long time coming" - Whitmarsh

Former McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh believes that the new ownership of Formula One is a good opportunity for them to inject new ideas to make the sport more appealing for fans.

After Liberty Media officially took control of F1, they ousted Bernie Ecclestone of the role that he had occupied for the past 40 years. Ecclestone's replacement Chase Carey, along with Ross Brawn and Sean Bratches are keen to do things differently.

"It's a new era but it's been a long time coming," Whitmarsh said. "There comes a time in any enterprising sport where it's time for fresh ideas and fresh views and I think Formula 1 has probably come to that point.

"I'm a Formula One fan still and I loved it, I was in it for 25 years but it's nice watching it from afar and I intend to continue to do that. But it's going to grow, live sporting content is so valuable."

Whitmarsh also paid tribute to Ecclestone, as he knew and worked with him for many years. Although they didn't always see eye to eye, Whitmarsh holds respect for him.

"You've got to give Bernie lots of credit because he was really the driving force in the early days of Formula One," he continued.

"He's got that twinkle of charm about him. I was one of his biggest enemies on lots of occasions but you can't help but like the guy. You've got to give him lots of credit for what Formula One is today."

 

Fergal Walsh

Replies (0)

Login to reply

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
14 - Mar 16 2025
Australia
21 - Mar 23 2025
China
4 - Apr 6 2025
Japan
11 - Apr 13 2025
Bahrain
18 - Apr 20 2025
Saudi Arabia
2 - May 4 2025
United States of America
16 - May 18 2025
Italy
23 - May 25 2025
Monaco
30 - Jun 1 2025
Spain
13 - Jun 15 2025
Canada
27 - Jun 29 2025
Austria
4 - Jul 6 2025
United Kingdom
25 - Jul 27 2025
Belgium
1 - Aug 3 2025
Hungary
29 - Aug 31 2025
Netherlands
5 - Sep 7 2025
Italy
19 - Sep 21 2025
Azerbaijan
3 - Oct 5 2025
Singapore
17 - Oct 19 2025
United States of America
24 - Oct 26 2025
Mexico
7 - Nov 9 2025
Brazil
21 - Nov 23 2025
United States of America
28 - Nov 30 2025
Qatar
5 - Dec 7 2025
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
14 - Mar 16 2025
Australia Albert Park
21 - Mar 23 2025
4 - Apr 6 2025
11 - Apr 13 2025
18 - Apr 20 2025
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
2 - May 4 2025
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
16 - May 18 2025
23 - May 25 2025
Monaco Monte Carlo
30 - Jun 1 2025
13 - Jun 15 2025
27 - Jun 29 2025
Austria Red Bull Ring
4 - Jul 6 2025
United Kingdom Silverstone
25 - Jul 27 2025
1 - Aug 3 2025
Hungary Hungaroring
29 - Aug 31 2025
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
5 - Sep 7 2025
Italy Monza
19 - Sep 21 2025
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
3 - Oct 5 2025
17 - Oct 19 2025
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
24 - Oct 26 2025
7 - Nov 9 2025
Brazil Interlagos
21 - Nov 23 2025
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
28 - Nov 30 2025
5 - Dec 7 2025
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule
show sidebar