Lewis Hamilton insider reveals major concerns about Bernie Ecclestone’s exit

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Anthony Hamilton believes Bernie Ecclestone's departure cannot be good for F1

Ecclestone had been in charge of F1 in one way or another for 40 years before he was shunted sideways into an advisory role last week by new owners Liberty.

The 86-year-old has been replaced by former 21st Century Fox executive Chase Carey but Anthony Hamilton, whose son Lewis Hamilton is favourite to win his fourth world title in 2017, does not believe the move is beneficial.

"I think it’s a big, big shame," Hamilton Sr told Newsweek.

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"I’m going to miss him

"If it is real, because I still can’t believe it, then I think it’s a big shame for the sport.

"He is Formula One, isn’t he? What are you going to do?

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Bernie Ecclestone has been replaced by Chase Carey

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Anthony Hamilton has been influential in his son Lewis' career

"Are you going to unravel the rule book? Just what are you going to do?

"Because I am not clear."

Liberty have publicly criticised Ecclestone's failure to advance F1 in the last five years.

And they have recruited former Ferrari and Mercedes pit-wall man Ross Brawn as a motor sport director, charged with ensuring the sport remains relevant and exciting to a TV audience.

But Hamilton Sr believes the focus must be switched to getting fans through the gates at the races themselves.

"You get bums on seats, you get more people with bums on seats at home, don’t you?" he added.

"And I think the other important thing is we need great drivers.

"Not just drivers with lots of budget behind them, mummy and daddy have got lots of money.

"If we go [down] that route, Formula One will disintegrate in the next five years."

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