Weber hits out at F1 'wimps'

07 August 2014 - 13:46 By TEAMtalk
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Willi Weber has blamed self-interested bosses and wimpy drivers as the reason why Formula 1's viewer numbers are declining. File photo
Willi Weber has blamed self-interested bosses and wimpy drivers as the reason why Formula 1's viewer numbers are declining. File photo

Willi Weber has blamed self-interested bosses and wimpy drivers as the reason why Formula 1's viewer numbers are declining.

Willi Weber has blamed self-interested bosses and wimpy drivers as the reason why Formula 1's viewer numbers are declining.

This season, despite efforts to entice fans back to the sport, viewer numbers have once again taken a hit.

This was most noticeable at the German GP where around 50,000 tickets were sold compared to the 120,000 of yesteryear.

And Weber, best known for being Michael Schumacher's first manager, believes Bernie Ecclestone and Jean Todt bear some of the responsibility.

"There are many reasons for the decline of the Formula 1," he said in an interview with Sport Bild.

"First, the fish rots at the head.

"Bernie Ecclestone is much too old to embrace the age of new media while FIA president Jean Todt lacks the power to enforce.

"These men think only of their own interests."

The 72-year-old, though, doesn't believe the blame rests solely with those in charge and hit out at the sport's current crop of drivers.

"Who wants to see the wimps of today crying on the radio.

"There are no more characters like Ayrton Senna, Jacques Villeneuve and Michael Schumacher were.

"They would not complain on the radio but give their answer on the track."

Added to that, he says, it all comes in an "ugly" package thanks to this year's car.

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