Bernie Ecclestone is not concerned that Sebastian Vettel's dominance this season is making Formula One boring.
Red Bull's Vettel has won six of the first eight races this year and has taken seven pole positions, making it the most dominant start to a season by any one driver since Michael Schumacher in 2004.
Schumacher's glory years were often been blamed for turning many fans off the sport, while recent seasons have been heralded for the intense level of competition at the front of the field. However, Ecclestone is not concerned that Vettel's current success will make the sport any less exciting.
"Sebastian is in a similar position as Michael," Ecclestone acknowledged in a joint interview with Vettel on the official F1 website. "Sebastian is the best right now and that's why he is dominating, and that's what makes it so interesting for the fans, because every race weekend starts with a big question mark - who will be able to beat Vettel? That's why fans tune in."
Ecclestone added that Vettel's recent dominance was even more impressive than Schumacher's.
"The competition Sebastian is facing is much bigger than that confronted by Michael. That makes Seb's wins even more noteworthy. I don't see a reason why there shouldn't be a Red Bull era just as Ferrari had theirs with Michael."
The F1 CEO also compared Vettel to 1970 world champion Jochen Rindt, who was managed by Ecclestone and was one of his closest friends both in and out of the paddock.
"He reminds me of Jochen Rindt," Ecclestone said. "Seb will always stay grounded, no matter how big the success. That is what makes real champions. That was also Jochen's strength. Plus both are lousy losers."
Asked how Vettel would cope with Lewis Hamilton as his team-mate, a combination that has been rumoured in recent weeks, Ecclestone replied: "Sebastian must not worry about anybody as team mate. He's the best."
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