Controversial statements by former Formula 1 director Bernie Ecclestone: “I’d take a bullet for Putin”

When it comes to the former executive director of Formula 1, Bernie Ecclestone, it is impossible not to recall some of the great controversies that led him to move away from the cars back in 2017. But if there is something that the Briton has never strayed from Era from microphones and, of course, from controversy.

On this occasion, the 91-year-old entrepreneur once again positioned himself on the side of Russia, and more precisely of Vladimir Putin in the war that Russia has started in Ukraine. Months ago he justified Putin’s actions, with whom he was able to negotiate the arrival of Formula 1 in Russia. But this time she doubled up.

“What Putin is doing is what he thinks is right for Russia. He is a businessman, like me, and sometimes we make mistakes. When you make a mistake, you have to try to make amends and make the best of it. I’d take a bullet for Putin“said the South Elmham native, speaking with the program good morning great britainfrom ITV.

Furthermore, Ecclestone expressed his opinion on the figure of the Ukrainian president, Volodimir Zelenski, and on the way in which he handled this invasion. “That person in Ukraine, I think he was a comedian and from what I see, he wants to continue being one. This war was not intentional and I am sure that if Ukraine had wanted to get out of it properly, she could have done so, “she added.

In this way, the always controversial Ecclestone went back to speaking in no uncertain terms on one of the most delicate issues in the world, and closed: “I think if he had thought carefully and tried hard to talk to Putin, who is a sensible personI would have listened and probably could have done something about it. “

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Ecclestone’s opinion on Russia was not formed overnight, since the British have been able to defend and justify Putin on more than one occasion and since the beginning of this invasion which took place in February of this year. And it is that at the beginning of March he had already touched on the subject.

The former Formula 1 boss began cultivating his relationship with the politician around 2014, when the two negotiated the arrival of the Sochi Grand Prix. In a dialogue with Times Radio, Ecclestone said: “As a person, I find him very direct and honorable. Vladimir did exactly what he said he would do without any discussion.”

And by delving into this topic, the tycoon once again clarified the reasons for his departure from Formula 1, a competition that, from the arrival of Liberty Media to the management, has taken care of completely dissociating itself from the controversial figure of the Englishman. This mattered little to Ecclestone, who continues to defend his controversial positions on every occasion.