GP: Australian GP
Date: 26 March 2017
Winner: Sebastian Vettel - Ferrari
Formula 1 had a new boss, the top man at Liberty Media, and he went by the name of Chase Carey.
From this race on, he replaced Bernie Ecclestone, the ringmaster, the godfather of F1.
Born on 28 October 1930, Ecclestone manned the helm for 40 years, revolutionising and modernising Formula 1, while making rich people of all those involved in “his” world, including above all himself.
He was ahead of the game in realising the importance and value of the TV rights, managing them shrewdly.
He was a fearless and ruthless manager, but generous with those who shared his passion for racing.
Bernie has been involved in racing ever since he was a young man. He wanted to race motorbikes and earned a living selling spare parts for cars. He had a go at racing in F3, before managing Stuart Lewis-Evans and then Jochen Rindt, both drivers who lost their lives in racing accidents.
He bought the Brabham team in '72 and then sold it in '87, by which time he had set up FOCA (Formula One Constructors' Association) as an alternative to the sport's governing body. This organisation would be the big money spinner, taking over complete financial control of the “circus.”
Ecclestone is not a popular figure with those who have never met him, but he deserves respect and admiration.
Despite appearances to the contrary, he is more soft-hearted than cynical.
In 2025 Pirelli will hit the 500 F1® Grands Prix mark during the season.
Legacy of Speed series looks back at the fifty most significant Grands Prix from Pirelli's time on the F1 World Championship trail.
