In 2005, while discussing Danica Patrick’s successes in the Indy Racing League, made one of the most infamous quips ever: “You know I’ve got one of those wonderful ideas…women should be dressed in white like all the other domestic appliances.” And in typical Ecclestone fashion, there really wasn’t much in the way of apologizing. He called Patrick a couple of times trying to clear up the situation, but on the first call he repeated the exact same sentiment and on the second call was as clear as mud, leaving Patrick confused as to what exactly he was on about. Ten years later, the 84-year-old Gollum-like leader of Formula 1 has had a rather interesting brainchild that he felt he should share with the world. As reported by The Telegraph, Ecclestone came up with the concept of an all-woman F1 racing series shortly after the Malaysian Grand Prix: “I thought it would be a good idea to give them a showcase,” Ecclestone said. “For some reason, women are not coming through – and not because we don’t want them. Of course we do, because they would attract a lot of attention and publicity and probably a lot of sponsors.”
Susie Wolff
It’s only recently that I’ve paid any attention to Formula 1, but let’s focus on what issues matter right now: teams are going bust, the cars are as exciting as paint drying, there’s no room for innovation or real competition, Germany lost their Grand Prix and there’s threats that the Italian GP at Monza could be next, there’s plenty of team vs. manufacturer issues, and the dysfunctional billionaire is still controlling F1 with a death grip on the throat. But in the interest of sustaining F1, he wants to create an all-female F1 series? In 2015? I know that the über-rich don’t have a good habit of seeing the world they live in accurately, but how can he not see what an idiotic suggestion that is? Current F1 driver Susie Wolff slammed the idea, saying, “First of all, I don’t know where you’d find a full grid of female drivers who are good enough. Secondly, I have raced my whole career in motorsport as a normal competitor. Why would I ever look for a race where I was only competing against women? I can hand on heart say it would not interest me at all to win such a race. I would rather not be in the race because what am I winning? A race where they’ve just looked for any girl to make a grid up.”
At some point somebody needs to test the F1 “supremo” for dementia. There are too many fans worldwide who are focused on the series to risk the increasingly questionable decisions of one man.
It\’s a really great idea. Nice thought by Bernie Ecclestone. There should be a separate formula 1 series for women.
Seriously ? So you think woman need their own series and that given the interest and backing that women cannot go head to head with men on the track ? If so … y\’all best be studying yer racing history … especially Rally 😉
As to Bernies idea ? Oh yeah …. like theres such an abundance of sponsors available at present .. [ look at the acres of blank space on ALL the cars on the F1 grid ] … so many manufactures waiting at the door to get into racing [ try … none ] etc to be even thinking about creating a new series
Simple fact is .. Bernie is losing it . The plot …. the scenario … and maybe even his mind …. but Bernie is definitely …. losing it … with F1 as a whole not far behind .
I have a better idea, 3 car teams required, the third must have a female in it.
This will put 30-36 cars on grid and increase passing by over 30%.
Cars randomly assigned by drawing within team so one car doesn’t end up with the left over parts.
Drop stupid frozen engine rule, let the engine manufactures make changes during season.
1 single element wing on each end ,15mm max wickerville.
Because speeds get out of hand some type of displacement limit is required , how about 2.0l any configuration turbos aloud? Some type of fuel limit.
All tire manufactures welcome without cash buy in to Bernie.
As a matter of fact open the series to any car/team/engine who wants to field a legal car.
I think the title of this article should have been “Bernie Eccelstone is a senile old codger who’s out of touch with the times”
Yeah … it does seem like ole Uncle Bernie has done gone and lost it .. big time ! But errr …. it may have more to do with Bernie being desperate to remain relevant and not due to senility . Desperate people in power have a tendency to do and say desperate and stupid things when that power is eroding . Sometime read the book ; \” At the End of an Age \” : by John Lukacs . Once you have … almost everything happening today … from politics to sport … suddenly makes sense . It wont make you any happier about things mind you . But at least you will understand better the underlying causes of whats going on … cue Marvin Gaye 😉
Instead of a separate F1 series without men, we need a separate F1 series without one man – Bernie.
only comment worth reading ^^^
Despite one of mine being in the above pile …
Agreed ! Well and succinctly put Mr Cramer
How else will Bernie cultivate his harem?
So there will be a lot of women racing away from this evil demented dwarf – I mean – check out that photo!
As to women in motorsport – I have two words for you, Bernie.
Shirley Muldoney!
I’ll repeat that..
Shirley Muldoney!