F1 boss (Bernie Ecclestone) likens Danica to 'domestic appliance'

FOXSports.com ^ | June 19, 2005

[jern]

Danica Patrick has surged onto the open-wheel racing world, but that might not be sitting well with the old-school boss of Formula One racing. Formula One is getting its most high-profile United States presence with the U.S. Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend, but Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone doesn't seem to be too crazy about Patrick joining her male competitors on the track, despite her recent Indy 500 success. "She did a good job, didn't she? Super. Didn't think she'd be able to make it like that," Ecclestone told a gathering of reporters about Patrick's Indy 500 finish. "You know, I've got one of these wonderful ideas that women should be all dressed in white like all the other domestic appliances," Ecclestone added. Ecclestone has controlled Formula One for 25 years, amassing a fortune estimated at $3.7 billion. He has a holding company which operates some of F1's commercial ventures, ranging from television rights to sponsorships. But nine of the F1's 10 teams are in dispute with Eccletone and others over the running of the sport and have threatened to start their own series in 2008. Only Ferrari has signed to stay with Ecclestone after the 2007 season.

[gopwinsin04]

Sounds like Bernie is being a bit of a 'domestic appliance' himself.

[spetznaz]

Only Ferrari has signed to stay with Ecclestone after the 2007 season.

I'm a fan of Ferrari in F1 (actually more a fan of Michael Schumacher), but there is definitely a pro-Ferrari bias that is as clear as day. I'm surprised the other teams have stomached it for this long.

[Perdogg]

I think that was a rude remark. However, Danica is going to have stop the cheesecake pictures until she wins. This is hard for me to say because I like the pictures.

She is not going to be perceived as serious as long as she's doing the pictures and finishing 13th.

Yes she did do well in the Indy 500. Her race last week, was pretty disappointing.

[TomB]

After Bernie's debacle today, he's in no position to talk about others.

The man is walking scum.

[SIDENET]

"You know, I've got one of these wonderful ideas that women should be all dressed in white like all the other domestic appliances,"

That statement pretty much speaks for itself.

All that money and he can't buy taste, class, or a clue.

[twin2]

After that F1 embarrassment at Indy today, I don't think he should be shooting off his mouth. It seems that an American woman is more of a racer than the Euro-weenies that were out there today.

[Felis_irritable]

Bernie has been a horse's posterior for the whole 25 years he has run F1. American oval racing of any type particularly galls him (quote: "That shi**y little oval in Phoenix" et. al). Ms Patrick is a bit sure of herself for my taste, but she's taken the typical route to the big leagues of American open-wheel racing these days and appears to have more than enough talent to do the job. He's just going to have to get over it.

[truth_seeker]

After the dismal episode today in the US Grand Prix (Formula 1) Danica Patrick and the other race series look wonderful by comparison.

I am a very long term fan of Formula 1, but the one driver one car dominance over the last few years has worn thin. Until today, it looked like others would give Michael a run for his money, this year--still might.

But the Michelin blowup, the poor decisions by many, cast this series in bad light for me. I like open wheel, and I like road courses.

The US is a big potential market, where several tracks could host GP events.

[mewzilla]

Isn't Bernie Ecclestone a big Labour supporter in Britain?

[chariotdriver]

I wish Formula 1 was like it was with cars of the late 70's. The March, Lola, Lotus, & Tyrrell vehicles.

Then Le-Mans, the Ferrari 312, Ford GT40, Porsche 908 and 917 series.
I believe if Ford had kept evolving the GT40 they could have beat the Porsche 917.
NOW THAT would be some racing!

[virgil]

I think that lack of competition has been a long term problem in F1 and its because that it is so expensive to get a winning car. You have to have backing from a famous company like Ferrari or Mercedes. I heard that not all of the drivers get paid too. The big names like schumacher get millions of course and are filthy rich. Has to live in the Balearic Isl. to get a tax break. I don't know what NASCAR has been like lately, but it was that a layed-off factory worker could get into it win races and they were more competitive races. I think that's part of the appeal of NASCAR.

[buckeyesrule]

****I think that was a rude remark. However, Danica is going to have stop the cheesecake pictures until she wins. This is hard for me to say because I like the pictures.****

I think the pictures are from a few years ago. I could be wrong about that. She seems capable of turning the switch from model to race car driver. I saw on espn she did an interview where she's talked/flirted her way out of 6 speeding tickets. LOL!

[Perdogg]

She's very cute, no doubt about it! The pictures are relatively recent. The "Anna K" word is already being used in the same breathe as Danica.

[coydog]

He sounds like the Marge Schott of motor sports, and should be dumped for the same reason.

[Red Sea Swimmer]

Bernie Ecclestone proves that wealth does not equal class.

[Lessismore]

I don't know what NASCAR has been like lately, but it was that a layed-off factory worker could get into it win races and they were more competitive races.

One driver, one season is at least $500,000.

[BikerTrash]

I believe if Ford had kept evolving the GT40 they could have beat the Porsche 917.

You meant the Porsche 914...right?

Hyuk hyuk.

Just kidding. Love them GT40s. But the 917 was just too much!

[MikefromOhio]

that guy must be a FReeper.

I have seen simliar comments from a few on here unfortunately...