Ex-F1 Supremo Bernie Ecclestone reveals reason for rejecting knighthood
Bernie Ecclestone revealed that he was offered the honor of being knighted back in 1990 for transforming Formula 1 for the better.
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Bernie Ecclestone (via Getty)
Knighthood is the one highest civilian honor a British citizen can achieve in their life. It’s reserved to the people who have performed extraordinary service to their country in their careers. Sir Lewis Hamilton, Sir Stirling Moss, and Sir Jack Brabham are the only Formula 1 drivers who have received the honor over the years. Ex-F1 Supremo Bernie Ecclestone also had the opportunity to join the list but rejected being honored by knighthood.
Bernie Ecclestone, despite being a controversial figure in Formula 1, played a major role in the sport’s success in its early years. The Former CEO of FOM received the chance to be knighted back in 1990 for his exceptional work within the pinnacle of motorsport. However, the 94-year-old revealed that he rejected the opportunity to have the knighthood.
Ecclestone noted that everything he did for the sport was indirectly for himself. The Briton highlighted that his intention wasn’t to benefit everyone by Formula 1. Moreover, the 94-year-old asserted that the title of knighthood belonged to those who captured a country.
Whatever I did, I did for myself. If somebody benefited from that, good. But it was never my intention. I thought these awards should only be for people who had captured a country, gone back to the Queen and given her the keys. ‘There you go, we’ve captured India.’
Bernie Ecclestone told The Telegraph.
Bernie Ecclestone reveals his dislike towards ‘fake compliments’
Bernie Ecclestone in the same interview pointed out that he was appreciated for a lot of things that he didn’t deserve. Ecclestone hoped that people didn’t stop him on the road to talk highly of his work. However, the ex-F1 Supremo claimed that he didn’t appreciate fake compliments from the people.
I’m probably praised for a lot of things that I don’t deserve. I’m not looking for it, though. I’m not hoping that people stop me on the pavement. If they want to do it, good on them. What I don’t like is when they say something that isn’t genuine.
Bernie Ecclestone noted.
Formula 1 has continued to grow massively in recent years, partly due to Ecclestone’s hard work in the previous years. The 94-year-old would be remembered by many despite his wrongdoings. Moreover, the F1 Supremo continues to spectate the sport from the outside and put forth his unbiased opinion during any major problems.
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Aditya Pandya
(1524 Articles Published)