‘Ferrari played a major role in making Formula 1 what it is today’ – Bernie Ecclestone. Bernie Ecclestone on Ferrari's role in the history of the sport.

British business magnate Bernie Ecclestone, the former chief executive of the Formula One Group, which manages Formula One and controls the commercial rights to the sport, admitted that Scuderia Ferrari has been the most important party for the sport.

“I think Ferrari played a major role in making Formula 1 what it is today. They were there from the beginning, it’s a magical name,” Bernie Ecclestone said in an interview with Beyond the Grid – “If you ask any person about motorcycle racing, they will also name Ferrari. I used to stay in close contact with Mr Ferrari. It wasn’t easy, because he didn’t speak English and I didn’t speak Italian. So we always needed an intermediary, but he was always very positive and helpful.” – the former Formula One boss explained, as reported this week by the British and Italian media.

89-year-old businessmen Bernie Ecclestone was replaced as the chief executive of the Formula One Group, although he remains as chairman emeritus and acts as an advisor to the board