Many people pointing out the irony of Bernie attempting to get out of a bribe scandal by offering money...
Speculation is Bernie's "offer" is up to $100M (US). I don't get it. The word "settlement" makes it sound like the cash goes to the bank that made the accusation, to get them to drop the charges...which sounds like another bribe to me. But the rest of this sounds more like some sort of plea deal where he admits and pays a fee to the court, negotiated to curtail the trial (and sentencing). Ecclestone to pay $100 million to avoid jail and remain F1 boss (grandprix247.com)
Here's a few bucks to make all this go away, but I'm not guilty. When you have a net worth just north of $4 billion whats a 100 million to make something rather unpleasant go away.
Should have used the bribe money he received as a bribe, thus beginning a giant recursive loop of bribery that eventually collapses the German economy. The kicker is that the state of Bavaria is considering using the payoff to build a new F1 ring. Saw that on the Beeb somewhere. I'm hoping it was a joke, or sarcastic comment.
Governments are the same everywhere. If you have enough money you don't have to follow the same rules.
Apparently 1% of that $100M goes to charity. No idea where the other 99% will go. Charity surprised by $1 million Ecclestone payment (grandprix247.com)
I'd guess when his contract is coming due he will be asking for more money. I think more money would be well deserved. Red Bull is getting more that their moneys worth with Ricciardo.
Why would one pay an unknown quality of driver the big bucks. Quite an opportunity given to Ricciardo by Red Bull. For my money he has earned a sizable raise in pay, he has the right stuff for sure.
Yeah, and it makes sense. I imagine Ricciardo even thought of it as such an opportunity that he was lucky to not have to pay them for it...though expecting to do well and justify a raise the next year. But even if his (relatively) low salary is normal for the untried new guy it's still true that RB got a helluva bargain. I'd say Bottas is another. Williams don't have RB's deep pockets so if his season continues to go well for him I wouldn't be surprised if he gets offers from others who can outbid. That is, of course, if any of the more monied teams have an opening.
Frank Williams is know to send drivers packing when they ask for more money. I figure he better hang on to Bottas.