F1: Verstappen is what the fans wanted – Ecclestone

Bernie Ecclestone has said Max Verstappen the exactly what the fans say they wanted – a pure racer – not a Lewis Hamilton type publicity seeking freak show.

“Formula 1 should thank Max Verstappen,” the 92-year-old told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

“Max is a racer. He does what he has to do – he just races. The fans have wanted to see someone like that for a long time.”

Ecclestone also praised Verstappen for reigniting Dutch interest in the sport and said everyone in his country is behind him.

“The Netherlands is so proud of him and everyone is behind him,” Ecclestone said. “That’s the sole reason why we are back at Zandvoort. I haven’t visited the last two races but hopefully it has all improved a bit there, otherwise it wouldn’t be good.”

In terms of predicting Verstappen’s future, Ecclestone said he was hoping the 25-year-old would go on to break the world title record of Hamilton and Michael Schumacher.

“That depends on his car, but if Red Bull have their act together I don’t see why he can’t keep winning,” he said. “Whether Max will ever break the record of seven world titles? Who knows. Let’s hope so.”

Hamilton vs Verstappen Cumulative F1 Win Record by Age