Formula One news

Ecclestone enjoying McLaren's war

As McLaren's drivers Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso met at their hotel in Turkey to kiss and make up Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has said he loves the fight between the duo. "Man likes man has never created extra interest in sport. But when you have two equally matched top names fighting it out with a genuine dislike for each other it adds a whole new element to things," Ecclestone said.

He furthermore told British newspaper The Sun: "It's been a fantastic season and now the challengers for the top prize are at each others' throats, the remaining races will have added spice. Confrontation is something which has been lacking in F1 recently. It's been crying out for two drivers who can send the sparks flying on and off the track.

"Hamilton has shown he will do whatever it takes to win and Alonso is the same. They both have the talent and the car to achieve their ambitions so the scenario couldn't be better."

He added: "Drivers have become too corporate — too robotic — in recent years. It's very refreshing to see Hamilton and Alonso letting their true feelings be known. I couldn't have scripted things better myself."

more news

• 09 Jan.
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  • Toro Rosso confirm Buemi
  • Technical reshuffle at Red Bull
  • Klien still optimistic of race seat
  • Kubica named Polish sports personality of the year
  • Richards out of Honda running
  • Donington gains planning permission
• 08 Jan.
  • FOTA agrees cost-cutting plans
  • De la Rosa still aiming for race seat in F1
  • A dozen parties interested in Honda
  • Mosley not done yet with cost cuttings
• 07 Jan.
  • Ecclestone reveals September deadline for Donington
  • Ferrari willing to supply 'Honda' with engines
  • Brawn says Honda won't test before season
• 06 Jan.
  • Ferrari to use electronic pitstop system in 2009
  • Kubica to start karting team
  • Webber's recovery going well
  • Ferrari to reveal new car next week
  • Stewart hits out at Ecclestone and Mosley
• 05 Jan.
  • Red Bull's RB5 to debut in February
  • Suspended sentence and fine for Verstappen
  • Berger confirms Buemi for STR
• 04 Jan.
  • Kubica expecting more accidents
• 03 Jan.
  • Encouraging news for Donington
• 02 Jan.
  • Di Resta still hopeful of F1 drive
  • "Title loss would have damaged Hamilton's reputation"
• 01 Jan.
  • Hakkinen supports medals system
• 31 Dec. '08
  • Kubica: Next year is a big challenge
  • Hakkinen: Vettel will soon be a Formula 1 champion
  • Hamilton receives MBE award
  • Heidfeld expects more accidents in 2009
• 30 Dec. '08
  • Hamilton to join Madame Tussauds
  • Ecclestone: Button should take a sabbatical
  • Manager: Alonso would love to join Ferrari one day
  • Changes at Toro Rosso
• 29 Dec. '08
  • Hamilton to miss victory parade in Woking
  • Alonso to join Ferrari in 2011?
  • Mexican billionaire denies Honda bid
• 28 Dec. '08
  • Mexican buyer for Honda?
• 27 Dec. '08
  • F1 drivers positive on Algarve circuit

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