Bernie promised to find Hamilton F1 seat

[The Stig]

Bernie Ecclestone says he would have found Lewis Hamilton a seat on the grid this year had McLaren not signed him.

F1's diminutive chief executive told 'The People' in an interview that he was so impressed with the current championship leader's formative career that he would have used his clout to bring him into motor sport's highest category.

Ecclestone, 76, said: "I told Lewis that if Ron didn't say 'yes' to him being in the McLaren then I'd get him into another team.

"There are only one or two drivers that I have ever said that to.

"I could see he had the talent. He has won everything he has ever done, so I thought, why shouldn't he win in Formula One?"

Ecclestone said he was worried that F1 would face a slump following the retirement of Michael Schumacher but says the four-way title fight in 2007 has been a more than perfect remedy.

And he said: "Obviously, because Lewis has more points and is leading at the moment, you have to make him favourite."

Power over contracts....

[Dare]

Wonder what clout he's talking about?threaten
and blackmail,phony investigations,illeagal use
of powers,bending the rules,etc

[The Stig]

I agree,if only we could look back at Bernie and his dealings over the years?
Could be a Film,Book......at least a court case.

[johnbull]

An honest Bernie book would be a best seller.

Every crook in the world would buy it and learn something new.

[Chameleon]

Funny that Bernie should only think to mention this now.  Could it be that he's feeling a mite unpopular after getting rid of the USGP and is trying to reinforce his image?

[raindancer]

Imagine Hamilton in a Spyker or a Torro Rosso. WOuld have been heart breaking for the lad I am sure.

[f1box]

An honest Bernie book would be a best seller.

...... and the odds of the forthcoming authorised biography revealing anything?

Zero, Nada, Nothing, not a chance!

David