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Bernie Ecclestone Shows Remorse Over Upsetting Vladimir Putin Statement; Stays Mum Regarding Lewis Hamilton Remarks

Published 07/09/2022, 10:30 PM EDT

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Ex-F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone had previously made some comments in support of the Russian President, Vladimir Putin. However, after much backlash, the British business magnate has come out and apologized for the same.

Speaking with Sky the 91-year-old said, ” I think often people come out and say things or do things without really too much thinking. Probably I did the same. I can understand people thinking that I’m defending what he’s done in Ukraine, which I don’t”. 

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He went on to show his support for the people of Ukraine and added, “I was brought up during the war, the last war, so I know what it’s like and I feel sorry for the people in Ukraine having to suffer for something they haven’t done. They’ve done nothing wrong”.

Ecclestone had previously said that he would take a bullet for the Russian leader. However, he tracked back his words and said, “I’m sorry if it’s anything I’ve said that’s upsetting anybody because it certainly wasn’t intended”.

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However, Bernie Ecclestone did not comment on his feud with Lewis Hamilton. In fact, he recently took another swing at Lewis Hamilton after his previous comments supporting Nelson Piquet.

Bernie Ecclestone takes another jab at Lewis Hamilton amid racism row

Former F1 champion, Nelson Piquet, was accused of using racial slurs against Lewis Hamilton. Although the racing world condemned his actions, Bernie Ecclestone stuck by his old friend, saying, “I’m surprised that Lewis hasn’t just sort of brushed it aside.”

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This, as well as the comments surrounding Putin, prompted Hamilton to ask the media to shut down such people. “If you don’t have anything positive to contribute, don’t give them any space,” Hamilton expressed.

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In a recent appearance on the Piers Morgan show, Ecclestone said, “A complete load of rubbish.” He added, “If he’s referring to me, there’s nothing I’ve done. He should even think a little bit, his father and myself were talking about going into business a little while ago. I’m not racist. Quite the opposite actually, and to say things like that is completely crazy.”

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However, he has taken no steps towards apologizing or mending the situation with Hamilton. Although, amid this recent backlash, he has had to cancel his plans to attend the Austrian GP this weekend.

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Written by:

Divyansh Priyadarshi

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Divyansh Priyadarshi is an F1 Author at EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing his under-graduation in computer science engineering and is naturally drawn to the intriguing data-driven world of Formula 1. Being an author at ES isn't his first stint in penning down thoughts for his favorite sports, as he has a solid prior background in writing content for soccer, NBA, and UFC.
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Edited by:

Ranvijay Singh