Leading Formula 1 figures have paid tribute to Bernie Ecclestone, following the news that he has been replaced as the sport’s CEO in the wake of Liberty Media’s takeover.
Ecclestone led Formula 1 for several decades, establishing it as a professional multi-billion-dollar organisation, but on Monday Liberty Media confirmed Chase Carey as his successor, following the American company's acquisition of the sport.
Ecclestone has been handed the role of chairman emeritus and will ‘be available as a source of advice for the board of F1’, according to Liberty.
However, following the restructuring of Formula 1’s senior personnel, figures from within the sport took to Twitter to praise Ecclestone’s contribution across several decades.
“We should all pay tribute to a remarkable entrepreneur,” said McLaren chief Zak Brown. “He will be a very hard act to follow.”
“We must pay tribute to the role Mr Ecclestone has played in shaping F1 over the last 40 years,” said Claire Williams. “It wouldn’t be the sport it is today without him. F1 constantly evolves & as we move forward into a new era, exciting times are ahead.”
“On behalf of everybody at Force India, I want to say a huge 'thank you' to Bernie for making our sport what it is today,” quipped the team’s owner Vijay Mallya.
“Bernie, mega job!,” commented reigning Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg. “But a change has been overdue. Mr. Carey, all the best in making our sport awesome again.”
“Wishing Bernie a great retirement,” said 1992 World Champion Nigel Mansell. “What a job he has done for F1, thanks Bernie for all thrilling careers we all have had in F1, it's been fun.”
“Thank you, Bernie, and welcome Liberty Media,” posted Williams’ Felipe Massa. “Hope F1 gets better and better.”
“Thank you Bernie and welcome Liberty Media! Let the new era begin,” said Haas racer Romain Grosjean.
