Teams hit back at Ecclestone attitude

Nov.15 (GMM) F1 teams have hit back at Bernie Ecclestone's attitude about social media.

In a typically controversial interview on Friday, the F1 chief executive said he sees no value in Facebook and Twitter, and has more interest in marketing the sport to 70-year-olds who have "plenty of cash".

"Young kids will see the Rolex brand, but are they going to go and buy one? They can't afford it," he told Campaign Asia Pacific.

McLaren responded by posting a photo on Twitter of a little boy wearing replica team overalls, with the hashtag 'McLarenNextGen' and the caption: "We love social media at McLaren and we love young F1 fans too!"

Lotus, meanwhile, went a cheeky step further, poking fun at Ecclestone's age and dated attitude by posting a photo of an old Western Union telegram.

It reads: "Dear Bernie. Twitter is actually quite cool." The message is fittingly signed off with the 'F1' hashtag.