Bernie Ecclestone insists Nico Rosberg winning the championship would be "very important" for F1, clarifying widely-reported remarks he made ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix that a Lewis Hamilton win would be better for the sport.
Ecclestone caused a stir earlier this week when he was reported as saying a Rosberg title "wouldn't necessarily help the sport because there is nothing to write about him". Rosberg brushed off the criticism on Thursday during Mexico's media day, saying he had spoken to Ecclestone about the comments and thought the F1 boss had been misquoted.
Ecclestone has often said Hamilton -- who trails Rosberg by 26 points with three races left -- is F1's most important driver due to his worldwide appeal. Speaking to Sky Italia on Friday, his 86th birthday, in the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez paddock Ecclestone said both men would be beneficial as champion for different reasons.
"Well I always get into a lot of trouble because when people say to me 'Who is the best world champion for publicity?' I always say Lewis," Ecclestone said. "He travels the world and meets all different people, gets on TV everywhere -- he's super for Formula One. Would it be good to have him as champion? That's a definite.
"But on the other side with Nico, it's a new world champion, so we've got a new world champion in Formula One which is also very, very important. And he seems to be growing out of his old self, outwardly now he's a lot better."
Rosberg can claim a maiden F1 championship this weekend if Hamilton finishes 10th or lower as that would put him at least 50 points clear with two races to play for. Though Hamilton could still score 50 points at the final two races, Rosberg will win if their points are level due to the greater number of wins he's accumulated this season.