Bernie attacks modern F1 drivers

Bernie Ecclestone has slammed Formula's 1 current crop of drivers telling them they are more concerned with their egos than entertaining the fans. According to the F1 supremo the sport now lacks the entertainment value that it once had and he blames this on the egocentric drivers that now make up the grid. "Drivers are slaves to their sponsors nowadays and are more worried about their egos than anything else," Ecclestone told The People. "Years ago the drivers didn't have egos - they would just turn up to race. None of them needed to impress anyone, so they didn't have the sort of egos that are in the sport today. And the sad thing is you can't get it back to those days again." "We need more of its characters. You used to be able to have a laugh with drivers and now they can't be like that because all the time they are trying to please the sponsors. There are no outbursts or rants at other drivers because it may reflect badly on them." Drivers are now fined if they do not show for appearances requested by the sport's governing body, the FIA, something that Ecclestone is keen to continue. "The drivers want to do as little for their money as possible and it's the sponsors who let them get away with it, because as long as they are doing their appearances, they are happy," he said. "It's the driver's job to entertain and if they don't by doing what we ask, we'll fine them. We don't ask very much of them, but for some reason they think the world owes them." One driver that has seemingly escaped Ecclestone's criticism though is this year's star of the track Jenson Button. In the past Ecclestone was skeptical of the BAR-Honda driver's talents and even told team boss David Richards not to sign him. "I never thought Jenson would get the job done, but he has turned out very, very good and I'm so happy for him," Ecclestone conceded. "It's nice when people prove you wrong and he has this season by doing such a great job. Formula One is so big it is pretty much self-promoted around the world, but Jenson definitely helps when it comes to the British market. "To have a Brit doing well is great and he has ended up proving me 100 per cent wrong. With his results this year he has proved he can become a World Champion given the right situation. That is the key, because you need the car as well as the talent. He just needs to have everything slot into place and I have no doubt he can be crowned king."