On the eve of the fortieth consecutive version of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Károly Méhes was granted an unique interview with Bernie Ecclestone, the person accountable for bringing System 1 to Budapest.
I first met Bernie Ecclestone in 1986, on the eve of the very first Hungarian Grand Prix. We chatted briefly outdoors the Resort Duna Intercontinental Resort. I used to be a younger scholar and F1 fan who dreamed of at some point writing about my favourite sport. Now, thirty-nine years later, as System 1 visited Budapest for the fortieth consecutive version of the Hungarian Grand Prix, I used to be granted an unique interview with the previous F1 supremo. Fittingly, our assembly occurred on the identical resort, which is now the Budapest Marriott.
The “Holland” situation of Grand Prix Worldwide journal in 1982 introduced that there can be a Soviet Grand Prix the next yr. The article even included a observe structure. How shut did you get to bringing System 1 to Moscow?
My goal was to run System 1 automobiles by means of Purple Sq.! We went to see what we may do, however nothing occurred ultimately. We needed to postpone every part when the Communist social gathering chief Brezhnev died [in November 1982]. We had been unable to proceed negotiations together with his successors. I all the time considered System 1 as a World Championship, and Russia – or the Soviet Union on the time – was an vital a part of the world. However ultimately, we gave up on the concept.
You didn’t surrender on staging a race behind the Iron Curtain, nevertheless. Your Hungarian buddy, Tamás Rohonyi, steered bringing System 1 to Budapest. What was the most important drawback for you throughout the negotiations with the Hungarian authorities?
I keep in mind on one event Tamás telling me we needed to meet some authorities officers to debate preparations for the race. It turned out they had been from the KGB. They simply wished to be sure that System 1 wouldn’t trigger any hurt to the Communist regime. On the sensible aspect, I wished to stage the race within the metropolis, on the outdated Népliget circuit [then and now, a city park]. However the authorities mentioned that F1 would disturb the animals and break individuals’s holidays. After we realized it couldn’t occur there, we needed to search for some other place. That’s how we ended up in Mogyoród, which has been residence to the Hungaroring circuit now for nearly forty years.
Was it a private success for you, bringing System 1 to a Communist nation?
Sure, completely! The race bought higher yr on yr, which was satisfying to see. The native organizers steered enhancements and in the event that they seemed wise, we agreed. I’ve all the time mentioned that Hungary deserves to be on the calendar. System 1 shouldn’t lose the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Which nation would you prefer to see added to the present F1 calendar?
South Africa. The African continent deserves a race. It’s getting nearer, I believe, however as all the time, it’s a query of politics and discovering the cash.
Out of your time in command of the game, which races had been you disenchanted didn’t work out in the long run?
South Korea and India! I used to be very, very sad after shedding these races. Once more, there was all the time politics within the background. With India it was quite simple. The individuals there did an unbelievable job, actually. However then the cost to us wasn’t carried out appropriately, and we didn’t actually know why. It turned out to be a difficulty with the tax system in India. That’s why we couldn’t proceed, though it was an excellent circuit.
Which race on the present System 1 calendar is your favourite? Your private home race at Silverstone?
Positively not Silverstone, under no circumstances! If I’d be requested which race I’d attend, I’d most likely say the Canadian Grand Prix. It’s an excellent circuit and Montreal is a really good metropolis. Baku is one other nice metropolis to go to.
Who will win the 2025 drivers’ championship?
The driving force who leads the championship now [Oscar Piastri]. Originally of the season, I mentioned Verstappen or Piastri. I wouldn’t write off Max utterly, however it appears to be determined already.
You might have all the time been near Ferrari, together with with Enzo. How irritating is it so that you can see the workforce’s ongoing struggles?
It’s fairly unbelievable. Ferrari labored effectively below the management of Jean Todt, when he introduced Michael and plenty of different personnel from Benetton. In the intervening time, I can’t say something adverse in regards to the Italian employees working for Ferrari, however I believe the workforce wants somebody to take cost, discover the proper path and get the job accomplished. I’m not positive that taking Lewis [Hamilton] was the proper determination. Lewis is clearly proficient, however a bit bit political, which is typical for Ferrari and typical for him. However he may come to life once more which might be good for him and good for Ferrari.
What about Purple Bull, are you aware what occurred behind the scenes when Christian Horner misplaced his job?
It was a bit like a wedding that led to a divorce. After Didi Mateschitz’s [Red Bull founder’s] dying, individuals inside Purple Bull had concepts in regards to the management and path of the workforce that didn’t favor Christian. He did an excellent job, however he was seen, similar to Max Verstappen, as somebody that didn’t have a correct quantity two. It’s onerous to criticize somebody who’s successful races and championships, however there was no plan B in case one thing went mistaken with both Christian or Max.
It was an analogous state of affairs at Brabham if you had been in cost and Nelson Piquet was your number one. Drivers like Zunino and Rebaque had been nowhere close to the Brazilian.
Sure, precisely. You’re proper. That’s the difficulty when the boss falls in love with considered one of his drivers. This may trigger issues. It’s good to have two kind of equal drivers like McLaren has at the moment. It really works when you can ship the very same equipment for each drivers. Once I introduced Riccardo Patrese into the workforce [in 1982], I informed him that we had three automobiles [one for each driver plus a reserve car] and he ought to select which one he want to drive. Then there can be no complaints..
Should you had been working a workforce at the moment, which drivers would you signal?
I’d signal Piastri. But additionally Hadjar. I hope Bortoleto will get the job accomplished as a result of it’s all the time good to have a profitable Brazilian on the grid.
What about Hülkenberg? Have been you content to see him end on the rostrum at Silverstone? Would you set him in your automobile?
It’s nice to see Hülkenberg come to life once more. He was fortunate because the race developed, took benefit of it and now most likely he’s feeling like he can win races! And with the proper machine I’m positive he can. However would I rent him? In all probability not. I’ve nothing in opposition to him, however I’d go for any person from the youthful technology. It will be extra satisfying to choose any person and see them succeed moderately than choosing any person who ought to have succeeded and didn’t.
Going again to your personal racing profession. Let’s clear one thing up as soon as and for all. Was it you behind the wheel throughout qualifying for the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix?
Sure! I sat behind the steering wheel however I requested Stuart Lewis-Evans to place in some fast laps in my automobile… Louis Chiron, who was clerk of the course, discovered what had occurred and marched over to me. He banged his flag on the highest of my helmet and mentioned I shouldn’t have accomplished it. However we had fun ultimately about it.
Do you remorse not turning into an F1 driver?
Like each younger man, I felt I may have been a profitable driver. However I wasn’t ready to surrender all of the issues I wanted to surrender so as to obtain that success. I ran a variety of companies and after I was 40, I bought all of them and acquired the Brabham workforce.
The place you loved a variety of success, together with two drivers championships with Nelson Piquet.
Sure, true. It was workforce. I’m nonetheless very shut pals with my drivers from Brabham who’re nonetheless alive. I caught up just lately with Riccardo Patrese and it was good to see him.
Brabham additionally developed the legendary fan automobile, with which Niki Lauda received the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix.
Sure, it was a bit particular! Nevertheless it wasn’t disqualified. I withdrew it. Colin Chapman [Lotus] and Teddy Mayer [McLaren] mentioned to me on the time that it should have value some huge cash and would most likely win the championship, however it was not good for the way forward for FOCA [Formula One Constructors Association), which we were trying to build up at the time. I listened to them and decided to withdraw the car.
