The podium after the Austrian Grand Prix held few surprises. After Max Verstappen‘s retirement, the supremely dominant McLaren drivers were able to secure another one-two finish for the British team. Charles Leclerc, who had qualified second, completed the top three. However, a Formula 1 legend also made his debut on the podium – former F1 Supremo Bernie Ecclestone presented a prize for the first time in 70 years.
The 94-year-old Ecclestone handed a medal to race winner Lando Norris in Spielberg. At the invitation of Chairman Mohammed Ben Sulayem, he presented the official FIA award to the British McLaren driver. Despite his decades-long involvement in Formula 1, ‘Mr. E’ had never been on a podium, he revealed afterwards. “I really appreciate that the chairman personally congratulates the winning participant,” Ecclestone said. “But, since he could not be present at the race in Austria, he asked me to present the medal on his behalf. I found it a real pleasure – and also a great honor.”
F1 Supremo
Bernie Ecclestone played a crucial role in transforming Formula 1 into a global commercial powerhouse. In the 1970s, he started as the team owner of Brabham, after which he grew into the big boss of the sport. He negotiated global television rights and centralized commercial activities, leading to unprecedented revenue and international growth. He remained in power until 2017, when Liberty Media took over Formula 1.
Despite his long-term influence on the sport, the British businessman had never been on the podium until now. “It was great to be there,” said an enthusiastic Bernie Ecclestone. “Although it may sound strange, this was really the first time in almost 70 years in this sport that I actually stood on the podium. So that was also very special.”
