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Formula 1 Execs Floored by Chief's Hitler Praise

Calls for boycott after Bernie Ecclestone hails Hitler for 'getting things done'

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 8, 2009 4:24 AM CDT

(Newser) – Executives from the firm that owns Formula One are scrambling to do damage control after their racing boss praised Adolf Hitler as a man who could "get things done." When told the World Jewish Congress was calling for his resignation, billionaire Bernie Ecclestone, 78, also said it was a "pity they didn't sort the banks out," reports the Daily Mail. Ecclestone later apologized for his comments, but not soon enough to head off calls for a boycott of the race.

"No team should work with him any more. A boycott would be more than appropriate," said a spokesman for Germany's Central Council of Jews. CVC, the financial equity firm that owns Formula One, "was shocked at the comments, and we fully concur" with Ecclestone's "unreserved apology," said a company statement.

Bernie Ecclestone, who owns F1's commercial rights, attends a meeting at the FIA headquarters, in Paris last month.
Bernie Ecclestone, who owns F1's commercial rights, attends a meeting at the FIA headquarters, in Paris last month.   (AP Photo/Gareth Watkins, Pool)
F1 Boss Bernie Ecclestone talks to the media as he arrives during free practice ahead the British Formula One Grand Prix at the Silverstone racetrack last month.
F1 Boss Bernie Ecclestone talks to the media as he arrives during free practice ahead the British Formula One Grand Prix at the Silverstone racetrack last month.   (AP Photo/Max Nash)
F1 auto racing's boss Bernie Ecclestone answers questions before the British Formula One Grand Prix at the Silverstone racetrack, in Silverstone, England, last month.
F1 auto racing's boss Bernie Ecclestone answers questions before the British Formula One Grand Prix at the Silverstone racetrack, in Silverstone, England, last month.   (AP Photo/ Max Nash, file)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
Jezze
Jul 9, 2009 4:52 AM CDT
freedom of speech
kokuaguy
Jul 8, 2009 10:49 AM CDT
Clearly the guy needs to stay miles away from a microphone-- or give up the pale ale.
Fondue
Jul 8, 2009 6:25 AM CDT
They've been huffing the formula 1.

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