F1 'not corrupt', defiant Ecclestone insists
Jul.2 (GMM) Bernie Ecclestone has issued his strongest defence yet amid continuing suggestions the Gerhard Gribkowsky bribery affair could also claim the F1 supremo's scalp.
81-year-old F1 chief executive Ecclestone said in no uncertain terms that the convicted former banker's bribery claims are "wrong".
"It's false," Ecclestone is quoted by the German newsmagazine Focus.
"The court did what it needed to do ... but the man is lying," he insisted.
Ecclestone has said consistently he paid Gribkowsky the millions because he was being "shaken down" relating to his British tax affairs.
"I am a businessman," said the Briton. "I am always weighing up between opportunity, risk and hassle."
Although there are rumours some in the sport are nervous about the potential association with corruption, Ecclestone said his removal as F1's chief executive would be counterproductive.
"For over 40 years," said Ecclestone, his partners have "trusted my handshake".
"There are no corrupt practices in Formula One," he insisted.
Ecclestone also denied the link between the scandal and F1's delayed floatation, even if he admits the Gribkowsky situation has been "not very helpful".
Share Or Save This Story
The season is still very long - Rosberg
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
Bernie Ecclestone sends major F1 warning ahead of 2026: 'Danger is we lose the fans'
Bernie Ecclestone slams "over-confident" Lando Norris as he backs Max Verstappen for 2025 title
Bernie Ecclestone rejects Christian Horner Alpine purchase rumours with Lewis Hamilton title dig
McLaren trying to understand Ferrari's 'inspirational' upgrade volume
Otmar Szafnauer tells Ferrari to 'leave Charles Leclerc alone' amid Lewis Hamilton battle
Why Charles Leclerc’s battle of the brakes has left him trailing Lewis Hamilton
Marcin Budkowski spoke to 'over half' the F1 grid before choosing Cadillac
Josh Berry has momentum but no 2027 NASCAR contract yet
Graeme Lowdon's shock Cadillac exit wasn't a "mutual decision" - Dan Towriss
Ty Gibbs’s crew chief says practice runs proved viability of bold two-tire calls
Top 10 rookie seasons in F1
Why F1 shouldn’t be hiding its most interesting characters
100 not out: Alex Albon on Williams’s desire to atone for its 2026 struggles
Why it will “take years” for Cadillac to reach the level F1 rivals are operating at
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments