Speaking to reporters last week, Ecclestone made clear he was not prepared to
give up his power other than control of some sponsorship deals. But it
leaves Mackenzie with a major headache, given that, as Ecclestone admitted,
the CVC co-founder is directing the thorny subject of the 84-year-old’s
succession.
Austrian businessman Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, the current chairman, has been in
poor health and is stepping down. It is unclear who will now assume the role
and how much executive control they will be given.
Ecclestone stated last week his
preference for his close aide and chief legal officer, Sacha
Woodward-Hill, taking over if he were to leave his post, with a figurehead,
like Walsh, alongside her.