Bernie Ecclestone presented the President’s Medal in Austria in the absence of Mohammed bin Sulayem, who was delighted with his first podium finish
Bernie Ecclestone had to wait until he was 94 to stand on the Formula 1 podium for the first time – at least according to his own statement. The former Formula 1 boss was invited by FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem to present race winner Lando Norris with the FIA President’s Award in Spielberg.
The medal was created as a unique personal memento to honor the winner’s outstanding achievement. At the same time, it is intended to highlight the history that every Grand Prix winner enters with their triumph. The first medal was presented to Max Verstappen at the 2022 season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Normally, FIA President Sulayem presents the medal, but in Austria, Ecclestone was allowed to do so on his behalf. “I think it’s really nice that the president congratulates the winner in person,” he said. “As he was unable to attend the Formula 1 race here in Austria, he asked me to present the medal on his behalf – which I did with great pleasure and honor.”
“It was also great to be there because, strange as it may sound, it was actually the first time in almost 70 years in this sport that I stood on the podium! So that was also something special,” said Ecclestone, who himself has enjoyed numerous successes in Formula 1.
Although his driving career was unsuccessful, with a failed qualifying attempt in Monaco in 1958 in a Connaught Type B, he celebrated 22 victories and two world championship titles with Nelson Piquet in 15 years as team owner of Brabham before later pulling all the strings as Formula 1 boss.
However, Ecclestone’s influence also came to an end with the takeover by Liberty Media. Although he was given the honorary title of “Chairman Emeritus,” it came with no actual responsibilities, while his official role was terminated.
As a result, there were reportedly repeated tensions between him and the owners of Liberty Media, meaning that Ecclestone was no longer a welcome guest in the paddock.
It therefore fits the picture that the 94-year-old was asked by FIA president Sulayem of all people to represent him in Spielberg. It is well known that the FIA boss and Formula 1 have not always seen eye to eye in recent months…
