Ecclestone reveals what he would do if he was boss at Red Bull Racing

Sergio Perez has been under pressure and underperforming in recent weeks. Had Ecclestone been at the helm at Red Bull, he would have already put Tsunoda in the RB20 two races ago - in Austin. "Then we would now know whether the Japanese driver would really be ready to fight alongside Verstappen," the British billionaire told Blick.

Rumours in Brazil suggested that Red Bull wanted to see a driver other than Perez alongside Verstappen for the last three Grands Prix. However, it remains to be seen how true those reports are. Tsunoda will at least get a chance to show what he is capable of in the RB20 after the last Grand Prix of the year in Abu Dhabi. That will then happen during a test day at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Ecclestone on Bortoleto

Gabriel Bortoleto will have a seat in 2025. The Formula 2 championship leader signed a contract with Sauber/Audi last week to become a teammate with the experienced Nico Hulkenberg. Bortoleto comes over from McLaren, where he was part of the junior programme. Ecclestone reveals that he also played a role in the switch.

"Bortoleto's father thanked us for our help in the transfer of his son Gabriel to Audi-Sauber. We opened a few doors there," said Ecclestone, who did not elaborate: "The most important thing now is for Bortoleto to immediately find a flat near the factory."

This article has been created in collaboration with Matt Gretton