Speaking to the German magazine Auto Motor Und Sport Formula One’s chief Bernie Ecclestone revealed that Singapore may not extend its race deal. Singapore’s contract with F1 for the night races is set to expire next year and speculation was rife that it may not be renewed.
Ecclestone further suggested that the Grand Prix has given much more for Singapore than what the country had given it.
“Look at what we have done for Singapore. Yes, the Grand Prix has cost Singapore a lot of money, but we’ve also given them a lot of money. Singapore was suddenly more than just an airport to fly to or from somewhere. Now they believe they have reached their goal and they do not want a grand prix anymore.”
Ecclestone said that current manufacturers Mercedes and Ferrari may quit the race in the next few years as well.
“We have to expect the manufacturers to leave us anyway,” he said. Adding: “Mercedes will retire on the day when it suits them and it’s something we had before – look at Honda, BMW, and Toyota. They go when Formula 1 has done the job for them.”
Ecclestone said that manufacturers like Mercedes and organizers like Singapore have no gratitude at all.
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