Four-time Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel and Formula One World Championship contender Nico Rosberg have been criticised by F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
Sebastian Vettel won four consecutive F1 titles for Red Bull Racing between 2010 and 2013, dominating the sport much in the same way as his idol Michael Schumacher.
The German driver then moved to Ferrari for 2015, the sports biggest global brand and the iconic team of the sport, once again following in Schumacher’s footsteps.
Meanwhile, Nico Rosberg who represents Germany, driving for Germany’s largest constructor in Mercedes challenged for the 2014 Formula One World Championship up until the final race of the season.
This year, he is once again Lewis Hamilton’s biggest threat to the title and yet, Formula One’s market in Germany is struggling, viewing figures have dropped and interest has fallen, highlighted by the loss of the German Grand Prix from the 2015 calendar.
In contrast in the UK, viewing figures across BBC and Sky Sports are up, whilst sales for the British Grand Prix look good.
Bernie Ecclestone believes that part of this is down to Hamilton’s persona in comparison to the likes of Rosberg and Vettel.
‘He?s the best world champion we?ve had, he?s fantastic, He reaches to all types of people throughout the world. He can more or less go to most places in the world and not have an F1 uniform on and people would still recognise him. l don?t know another driver who can do that.? Ecclestone told Sky Sports.
?I am a huge Lewis fan because he is a super promoter of the sport. From a pure business aspect – sorry Nico if I have to say this – you are not so good for my business,?
?Unfortunately you don?t have the German fans on your side. As the cancellation of the German Grand Prix indicates, Germany is a terrible market for Formula One. On the contrary Lewis is a hero in the UK. The British love Formula One. Sebastian is also not doing much for F1. People hardly recognize him on the street.?
Harsh words perhaps, but ones many people would struggle to argue with?
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