Formula 1

Formula 1 distances itself from controversial Ecclestone comments

Sam Hall Friday 26 June 2020 19:39 Updated: 11:17

Formula 1 distances itself from controversial Ecclestone comments

Formula 1 has acted swiftly to disassociate itself with controversial comments from former boss Bernie Ecclestone.

In an interview with CNN, the 89-year-old said that "in lots of cases, black people are more racist than what white people are".

Recently, F1 has launched the #WeRaceAsOne initiative, Lewis Hamilton has created 'The Hamilton Commission', and the FIA has also engaged in activities to make the motorsport industry a more inclusive environment.

In an interview with CNN, Ecclestone began by praising the work done specifically by Hamilton, before making his contentious comment.

"At a time when unity is needed to tackle racism and inequality, we completely disagree with Bernie Ecclestone’s comments that have no place in Formula 1 or society," read a statement from F1.

It continued by confirming that Ecclestone was no longer associated with F1 in any way as his honorary position as chairman emeritus expiring at the turn of the year.

F1 said: "Mr Ecclestone has played no role in Formula 1 since he left our organisation in 2017, his title Chairman Emeritus, being honorific, expired in January 2020."

Before you go...

One positive test will wipe out a team for a grand prix weekend - Abiteboul

Sir Patrick Head blames a lack of technical leadership for Williams downfall

Latest News

Latest F1 News

Alonso on rival team chief’s radar for stunning F1 switch

27 minutes ago

Latest F1 News

Red Bull 'ignored' former team boss over major driver error

1 hour ago

Ferrari

Leclerc and Ferrari F1 boss suffer unfortunate communication breakdown

2 hours ago

Michael Schumacher

Michael Schumacher was told F1 comeback 'totally pointless'

3 hours ago

F1 News & Gossip

Horner Red Bull future questioned over pivotal Verstappen decision

Today 09:55

Latest F1 News

F1 chief teases Ferrari exit over 'desperate' Lewis Hamilton

Today 08:56

More news

F1 Race Calendar 2025

GP AUSTRALIA 14 - 14 Mar

GP BAHRAIN 11 - 11 Apr

Oscar Piastri

GP SAUDI ARABIA 18 - 18 Apr

Oscar Piastri

GP USA 2 - 2 May

GP ITALY 16 - 16 May

GP MONACO 23 - 23 May

GP SPAIN 30 - 30 May

GP CANADA 13 - 13 Jun

Complete kalender 2025

F1 News 24/7

Races

About GPFans

GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.

We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.

With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.

Follow us on your favorite social media channel

Corporate & Media

Innovatieweg 20C
7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

Formula 1 distances itself from controversial Ecclestone comments

Formula 1 distances itself from controversial Ecclestone comments