Ecclestone: Mercedes head-started as they knew a bit more
Bernie Ecclestone claims Mercedes had a head-start over its engine rivals at the start of F1's controversial turbo V6 era.
After the 2015 season opener, the F1 supremo on Monday sided with furious Renault-powered Red Bull as the former champions urged F1's governing body to intervene.
Now, Ecclestone says Mercedes got a head-start over 2014 rivals Renault and Ferrari when the new engine rules were being devised.
It is why they had such a strong start last year and they are keeping that advantage now.
Bernie Ecclestone
"They knew a bit more about the (proposed) power unit," he is quoted by Italy's Sky Sport 24, "because the Mercedes people were in close contact with the FIA in defining the concept of this engine.
"It is why they had such a strong start last year and they are keeping that advantage now," the 84-year-old Briton added.
Ecclestone said efforts to close Mercedes' huge advantage should now be made, even though he admitted that Renault, "who pushed for this revolution, have failed".
Share Or Save This Story
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
Pirelli chief calls for radical F1 overhaul
Ex-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone reportedly arrested for travelling with shotgun in Portugal
Bernie Ecclestone sends major F1 warning ahead of 2026: 'Danger is we lose the fans'
Bernie Ecclestone slams "over-confident" Lando Norris as he backs Max Verstappen for 2025 title
George Russell: "Off the pace" Mercedes F1 car needs tweaking at Sepang
Mercedes reveals F1 Bahrain GP updates
As Mercedes looks to deal F1 2026 knockout blow, will its driver fight reignite?
Oliver Solberg: “I’ve 100% got a shot” at WRC title
F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Saturday schedule, weather forecast and how to watch
Turner Motorsport chases unprecedented North American sports car title trifecta
WRC Sardinia: Thierry Neuville snatches lead from Adrien Fourmaux as Hyundai remains on top
What we learned from Friday practice at the 2026 Bahrain GP in Malaysia
The hidden F1 performance differentiator nobody is talking about in 2026
As Mercedes looks to deal F1 2026 knockout blow, will its driver fight reignite?
Top 10 F1 results changed by backmarkers – the passes
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments