Bernie Ecclestone says he’d “take a bullet for Putin” in bizarre GMB interview

"He's a first class person and a sensible person," the ex-F1 boss said 

Bernie Ecclestone has reaffirmed his respect for Vladimir Putin ahead of the British Grand Prix, saying he would "still take a bullet for him". The ex-Formula 1 boss courted controversy earlier this year after he stepped in to defend the Russian leader following the invasion of Ukraine. He described Putin as "honourable" and seemingly refused to criticise his decision to start a war in Eastern Europe. Ecclestone told Times Radio: “As a person I found him [Putin] very straightforward and honourable. “He did exactly what he said he was going to do without any arguments." The 91-year-old’s Putin loyalties date back to at least 2019, when he revealed in an interview with The Times that he felt the Russian should be "running Europe". The ex-F1 boss said: “He's a good guy. He's never done anything that isn't doing good things for people. “I would like him running Europe. We haven't got anybody, so it couldn't be any worse." His loyalties seemingly remain intact, despite the destruction and loss of life caused by the conflict in Ukraine. Speaking on Good Morning Britainahead of the British Grand Prix, Ecclestone said: "I'd still take a bullet for Putin, because he's a first-class person and a sensible person." Watch the clip in full below: https://twitter.com/Haggis_UK/status/1542403079223623680