Bernie blames McLaren for Hamilton image

Tue, 24 March 2009, 08:00

Mar.24 (GMM) Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton is not a “character” and McLaren is to blame, according to F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone

In a briefing with a select few British reporters, the F1 chief executive said McLaren chief Ron Dennis prefers his employees all adhere to a company “brand” rather than display individuality

“What McLaren drivers have anybody ever taken to?” the 78-year-old billionaire is quoted as saying by the Mirror

“The ‘Jack the Lad’ type of driver doesn’t fit into the brand. There is just a way about them (McLaren people), isn’t there?nn”Ron doesn’t want to breed individuals, anyone who stands out,” said Ecclestone

He contrasts McLaren’s featureless style to that of Ferrari, the Italian team who “let people do what they like”

Ecclestone, however, is not scathing of Dennis, in fact he believes the 61-year-old should be knighted by the Queen

“It’s not the same with me,” he explained. “Everything I have done, I have done for myself or the company that I run. I have never done it thinking it could be good for somebody else.”n

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