MONACO-- World champion Lewis Hamilton is better for Formula One than either Sebastian Vettel or Nico Rosberg, the sport's commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone said on Sunday.
"I am a huge Lewis fan because he is a super promoter of the sport," Ecclestone said in a conversation with Hamilton's Mercedes team mate Rosberg published on the official formula1.com website.
"From a pure business aspect -- sorry Nico if I have to say this -- you are not so good for my business."
When Rosberg told Ecclestone that was a "hard call", Ecclestone pointed to the lack of a German Grand Prix this season.
"It sounds harder than it meant. Unfortunately you don't have the German fans on your side. As the cancellation of the German Grand Prix indicates, Germany is a terrible market for Formula One.
"On the contrary Lewis is a hero in the UK. The British love Formula One. Sebastian is also not doing much for F1. People hardly recognize him on the street."
Double champion Hamilton, who was on pole for Sunday's showcase Monaco Grand Prix ahead of Rosberg and Ferrari's Vettel, has become a familiar face in celebrity magazines and websites for his jet-setting lifestyle.
The 30-year-old Briton has made friends in Hollywood and the U.S. music scene as well as the fashion industry.
REUTERS
