Bernie Ecclestone makes first F1 podium appearance, aged 94
There was a familiar feel to proceedings in Austria with McLaren winning their eighth race out of 11 this season. And there was a familiar face on the podium afterwards, with former F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone presenting race winner Lando Norris with the FIA president's medal.
Somewhat remarkably, it transpired that it was Ecclestone's first ever trip to the podium. The 94-year-old, who ran Brabham for 15 years before running the sport for much of the next 50, revealed afterwards that he had never actually set foot on a podium before.
As chief executive, Ecclestone famously used to leave races shortly after they started. 'I think it's really nice that the president gives a personal congratulations to the winning competitor,' Ecclestone said after performing his podium duties. 'As he [Mohammed Ben Sulayem] could not attend the Formula 1 race here in Austria, he asked me to present his medal for him, which I am pleased and honoured to do.
'It was also great to be there, as though it might seem strange, this was the first time in almost 70 years in this sport that I've actually been on the podium. So, that was also nice.'
Bernie Ecclestone believes the strong competition currently in F1 will deny Lewis Hamilton a record eighth world title 🗣️❌ pic.twitter.com/CB47wjrwt3
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) June 29, 2025
Never one to shy away from a tricky question, Ecclestone also had his say on Lewis Hamilton's prospects at Ferrari. Asked whether he thought the 40-year-old could win title No 8 with the Scuderia one day, he was emphatic.
'No. I think there's a period in people's lives when everything is going to work well or not work well, and he was fortunate enough to be around when, firstly, there wasn't so much competition, and secondly, now he's got competitors. When he was winning everything, he didn't have too many people at the top of the tree.
'He still can get the job done but, whether he can win the world championship where he is, is a completely different story.'
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