Ecclestone cool on internet streaming idea

Nov.15 - Bernie Ecclestone has given a cool reception to some of Liberty Media's apparent plans for the future of F1.

One rumoured change is that the sport will move into the realm of internet streaming, even though the commercial success of F1 was built on the F1 supremo's insistence that exclusive TV rights be sold to broadcasters.

When asked about that, Ecclestone told Brazil's Globo: "I have no idea how they can do both. If I had known how, I would have done it."

Ecclestone, 86, admitted that Liberty's methods seem almost diametrically opposed to the way that predecessor CVC ran F1.

"Absolutely. The way the Americans do business is very different to what we do in Europe," he said.

Currently, F1 is in uncertain times, with the Liberty deal not yet complete and Ecclestone apparently resisting the changeover.

He said: "If they buy the rest of the company, they can do what they want, although the regulations also involve the FIA."

Ecclestone remains a highly controversial figure, even supporting the recent election of Donald Trump in the US.

"Trump's election is the best thing that could have happened to the world," he insists.

"I have met him a few times and, believe me, it will be better for the world."

He is less sure about F1's next move to faster and more aggressive cars for 2017.

"We need to wait for the tests to see how the cars are," said Ecclestone. "But one thing will not change: I'm sure Mercedes will continue to dominate F1."

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