Time For Bernie Ecclestone to Go?

Bernie's candid lash back at Ferrari may be worse for him than he intended.

Luca di Montezemolo's request for increased transparency in Formula One came attached with comments regarding teams to have more revenue generated from the sport. It apparently did not sit well with F1 boss-man Bernie Eccelstone who was quick to comment against di Montezemolo. Who came out the loser?

Bernie.

After blatantly admitting that "[Formula One] ‘bought' Ferrari's loyalty" in an interview with the British newspaper The Times, the head of the Formula 1 organization made it clear that the relationship between F1 and the Scuderia Ferrari factory team was more than what other teams have.

Fans and journalists alike have long rumored Ferrari's preferential treatment in the sport and among the stewards, but by making it public that Ferrari received $80 Million as part of that "loyalty" package, Eccelstone quickly pointed out the corruption in the organization, and yet another twist in the story of Formula One under Eccelstone. 

While exact details are not known, I'm sure that other teams already knew about the monetary arrangement between F1 and Ferrari. Truth be told, it was a smart move on Eccelstone's part in 2003 to prevent Ferrari from joining other teams to create a rival series. However, to admit to it to the public shows that in the heat of the moment, the ugliest comes out, and crazed sex parties aside, that once again shows with Eccelstone.

He has clearly shown an error of judgement in making it known that such blatant corruption exists. What di Montezemolo called for, besides a larger percentage of the revenue, is something that teams want and ought to deserve...a better look at Formula One's books. It may have seemed like an attack on F1, but Eccelstone precipitated it much further with his remarks.

I think enough has happened, and now that it's official that Ferrari receives some sort of preferential treatment, F1 needs to enter a new era with less controversy to survive properly at a time when motorsport is suffering. Bernie needs to go. While he may be a good businessman, his contribution to Ferrari's purse in order to keep the sport alive shows acts of financial desperation rather than genius and it's just too much.

I hope the FIA does the right thing in beginning an investigation and finding that Eccelstone's reign at Formula One ought to come to an end.