Can(and should) Max Mosley survive this?

An extraordinary day. The News of the World publishes allegations and a video about Max Mosley which stuns everyone. According to the paper, Max took part in a sado-masochistic orgy with five hookers in London last Friday. The session involved what the paper claimed were sinister Nazi overtones with Max himself being treated almost like a concentration camp victim. By any standards this was weird stuff...

Now Formula One is one of the biggest talking shops going, yet this story has reduced people to mute disbelief. There seemed genuine shock and most people had no idea what to say or what view to take. Max is said to be consulting his lawyers - as well he might - but the bigger question for the sport and for the fans of motor racing, is whether he can, or should be allowed to continue as FIA president, while he fights to clear his name.

Judging by his past reaction to calls for him to resign, Max is unlikely to go of his own accord. When he outraged many by calling Sir Jackie Stewart a "certified half-wit" last year, he brushed aside calls for him to resign and certainly did not apologise to JYS as many people thought he should have done. So, one suspects, he will have to be pushed if he is to go this time, even though the mess he currently finds himself in is of a completely different order to the JYS episode.

The substantive point here is that Max represents, through his personality and his office, a respected and important international body. In the course of his work, he is required to stand up for good conduct and morally acceptable behaviour and he has made it his business to chase those who he believes have fallen short. One wonders how he can continue in that role when everyone knows what his own standards of conduct are in his private life. Surely this will come back to haunt him over and over again.

Against that argument is the one about people's private life which says, in effect, what people do behind closed doors is none of anyone else's business. Bernie took this view today - although admitting he was shocked by what was alleged. He said that so long as Max's behaviour was not bringing the sport of Formula One into disrepute, then he should be able to continue. I find this hard to accept on this occasion partly because of the Nazi overtones and other elements in the allegations.

I can only imagine what some people were drinking with their cornflakes as they considered this story(champagne possibly). Among the silent today were Ron, JYS and Damon. Apart from Bernie and Sir Stirling Moss(who believes it will be hard for Max to continue), the only other "player" to comment was Martin Brundle who said he felt that, if the allegations were true, this was not "appropriate behaviour" for someone leading a global body such as the FIA.

What do you think? Should Max resign or can he weather this particular tempest?    

Comments

[Anon (original)]

So it's seriously true?

Incredible. I undestand those who are so silent.

Max doesn't need to go, because his conduct is not affecting F1. however, it will be impossible for him to govern the sport with this in ind. Imagine him shaking ands with eople he wants to sponsor F1... it would never work.

But I'm still in disbelief. I would imagine that he wants to prosecute the newspaper for having made up a story, but if everybody seems to tke this seriously, well then, there isn't much to be said. Michael Schumacher for President!

[Kathryn S]

I must say I'm feeling quite like I need a shower after having read the story.

Yes, I do think he should go. I agree that there is a much greater latitude of acceptable behavior when it involves one's private life...but this is WAY over the top in my opinion.

And if I might take a slightly weird perspective on this... As an American who lived in London for quite some time the high cost of living on your fair isle was always challenging and I found that across the board just about everything was more expensive. Now with a confluence of prostitution scandals it appears hookers are a real bargain in Merry Olde England. Eliot Spitzer, now former Gov of New York, apparently hired a single hooker for $4300 plus travel expenses for what was reported to be a two hour tryst of what is reported to have been, shall we say, fairly tame activity...and apparently for the equivalent of a mere $5000 you can get five hookers for five hours of some fairly raunchy stuff. Who knew?

[Lucas, London]

Ed,

I do not think Mosley can or should continue...

However, what should worry people in F1 more? That Mosley's private life is 'sick', or that he was caught in a clear set up?

If that was a set up by hookers seeking money or a piece of 'independent' 'journalism', that paper cover is 'understandable'.

On the other hand, if this set up was arranged by Mosley's enemies WITHIN F1, Ed... the F1 world is not a place to be...

Good luck...

[DKelly]

When I first read this on a forum I visit daily, I thought it was a wind up... an early april fools joke!... but it certainly seems more than that...

Surely if these quite damning pictures, and videos are acurate (and from what I have seen they certainly look that way... either that or max has a twin he's kept secret!), then surely he cannot continue as FIA president... his very presence would bring the sport into disrepute...

He already has a reputation as a dictator and a bully as it is, this story would make that 100 times worse.

[Mr Berblinger]

If true - he HAS to go. This sport doesn't need this kind of distraction - espically since we are on for a good season this year.

[Stuart]

I don't think it should have any effect on his position at all. It's not as if he's campaigned against S&M.

[Lolly]

I think Max Mosley is an arrogant bully whose behaviour is a disgrace. He deserves to lose his job. My thoughts are with his poor wife and family who now have to live with the consequences of his despicable antics. Formula One deserves better and besides, who would ever be able to talk to him about serious business without the appalling images of him in the News of the World being in the forefront of their minds?

[santori]

This would be the British public in one of its periodic fits of morality, wouldn't it?

[Javierg]

The Video looks as a Fake.

If it is, I don´t see why MM should resign. Too easy, you make up a story and the alleged victim has to go.

If the video happens to be true, then he should go

[javiervivaespania]

Very bad taste. I think governor Spitzer was cleverer. I guess this was just the cheapest lot he could get.

[Peter]

Oh my God they have finally got him!! I am old enough to remember the battles that Max and Bernie had with the FIA when they were the outsiders. How we all hoped that when he took over that all would be well. Sadly it turned into a M&B carve up (my opinion I know)ending with their vendetta against McLaren (my opinion again).

I have seen the video and the report and what I feel is sadness for a clearly bright and capable man wh is to be brought low bcause he cannot control his baser side,what a fool!

[Derek Smith]

Mosley has lost a lot of support by his behaviour especially, as commented on, his crude attack on JYS. The way Stepneygate was handled descended into damaging farce and Mowley might well feel his mounting of the moral high ground leaves little room for a smile and macho-like shurg. The FIA is muted in it's support and I cannot see anyone rushing to his side.

A person's private life is his own and whatever turns him on with consenting adults is no business of mine. However, even if the whole thing is a 'sting' (in more ways than one) by NewsCorp, how could anyone who has indulged in death-camp role-playing take the international stage?

I didn't believe it at first but even if it is not true, if Mosley has any thought for the FIA he will, at the very least, take some gardening leave.

I've never liked the bloke but it is difficult not to feel sorry for him. He's 67 so no time to rebuild his life.

[IDR]

"..and apparently for the equivalent of a mere $5000 you can get five hookers for five hours of some fairly raunchy stuff."

I'm afraid that's just the tip.

The magazine should have paid a healthy amount over those 5.000 bucks! (Well, the magazine or, who knows who has been promoting this)

On the other hand, Max Mosley has to be ceased immediately. This affair cannot be ignored when you are at the top of an organisation that has tons of visibility (worldwide).

How this man is going to make declarations as the ones he made last February, talking about the Racist incident at Montmeló:

“One of the things that most attracted me to motorsport was that nobody cared about your background, race, gender or religion…”

Yeah, nobody except you!

[Barry]

Dear ED, I discoered your blog last year an it is now a daily read for me during the season.
Reagrding this story about Mosley, I have to consider the source. I wouldn't trust rupret murdoch' voracity 1 millimeter.
I looked at the video on youtube and from the NOTW, and find it strange that Mosley would allow a camera to video him during this liitle tryste, Additionally it seems odd that the camera position seems to changea few times. Possibly there was more than one camera position, but the focus is never very clear. It also appears that the guy (Mosley?) has a greater distance form mouth to chin and a lot looser wattle than Mosley. So I 'm waiting too see if in fact this might not be a put-up job by NOTW.
I'm not the least bit fond of Mosley, but I don't think this is the way to get rid of him.
I've been an F-1 fan since the mid 60's, though I only have been able to go to 1 race. Long baech the year Lauda returned and won.
However I remember reading about all the greats, and attended every CAn-AM ever held at Laguna Seca. McClaren, Hulme,Amon,Gurney Stewart,Hill, Surtees, Donahough, Hall, What a series. And very little politics until the very end. Too bad you couldn't have made it.
Keep up the good work.
kindest regards, Barry

[C. Class]

Being an average F1 fan without any inside knowledge, I can't say Mosley came across as a very likeable guy and I'm sure he has as many foes as friends in the world of autosports. Nonetheless, his private life is none or our business and I find the paper publishing the story absolutely dispicable. He didn't do anything illegal and no harm was done to anyone. They're virtually destoying the life of a man to sell a few newspapers.

I doubt Mosely's career will survive this, throwing a cheap broadside at him will be too easy in the future and he will lose a lot of respect.

But it is amazing how F1 again and again manages to produce such dramatic stories. Last year it was the highly entertaining battle between Fernando and Lewis, this year, after only two races you have Massa's head on the chopping block and now the Mosely scandal. The only thing that could make this story "better" was if it turned out that the whole thing had been orchestrated by Ron Dennis :-)

[Felipe]

I'm slightly annoyed that the are no comments slagging off Hamilton or Alonso. I think standards are slipping.

[A Parker]

Well Ed, as I said in the comments on your previous blog, he definitely should go. The worst of it is the associations of his father, which he has previously tried to downplay, but are uppermost in his sexual (and other?) fantasies. How can he represent an international body encompassing so many nationalities with the knowledge of what he fantasises about? The question isn’t should he go, but why he’s still there. And I know the apologists are crawling out of the woodwork saying it’s his private life, but if you or I indulged in such foulness, it would be foul but wouldn’t impact on our careers, but for someone of his position, it is not acceptable.

This definitely calls into question the decisions he’s made in relation to Lewis Hamilton.

[jordi]

Let’s face it;

The entire world knows that MS is Britain favorite hobby.

What you do in your private life is your own business, so don’t be so hypocrite.

That’s the British way to get revenge over the Ferrari spy gate.

[Jonah]

Of course he should resign, I can't believe the FIA have issued a statement saying they view it as a private matter between Mosley and the paper. Are they serious??!! How can allegations that the president of the organisation engages in Nazi concentration camp S&M fantasies be of no concern to it? He's not even denying it, citing 'privacy concerns' instead. Really, it beggars belief. I guess the manufacturers will take a decidedly different viewpoint, I can't see Mosley remaining in his office for much longer. Funny that a man renowned for ridiculing his opponents should meet such a fate.

[jordi]

I've seen the video and that guy could be the homeless guy you can find outside Brixton tube every day. Saying that, if News of the world says that he is Max Mosley, who are we to dispute such a prestigious news paper?

[Hand]

A wise man once said: "Never make an enemy of someone who buys ink by the gallon"

I think this is proof of principle...

F1 will be better off without Max though, it's time for new blood.

[Txus G.R.]

It's incredible how you like to judge people in Britain...It's your favourite sport after soccer.Have you heard something about the "innocence presumption"?

I've seen the video five times.The video it's blury and the image quality is not the best to confirm the identity of the man.If Max has put the case in hands of his lawyers we'll have to wait for the sentence before drop cheap and easy conclusions regardless his family past or how bad or good he does in his FIA charge.Even more if the scandal comes from "News Of The World".

If you ask for my opinion,I should say that I don't like what I've seen in that video whomever are the man or the women.But in any case it's something legal in your country,despiste the taste,and all the people there were having their time under their own choice.

It's incredible how the sensationalist biased people like "A.PORKER" inmediatly finds the link between the video and Lewis...Amazing,duh!

[Johnny P-)]

Ed, please, even MM is sitting on top of Sports driving, you should keep a colder attitude on this pretended scandal.

I never read NOTW, but having done it this time, I think there's neither fairness in their story, nor they have been granted serendipity by the God of the Press.

This means that even MM may be "found guilty", someone could be revealed as Judas... If it was really himself in that video, how did they find out when and where was it to happen? How did they manage to set a camera in the house? Even if the discovery was clean, how clean was the spying operation? Why did they throw it to the general public instead of British or Int'l Court?

It appears to me as backstabbing to achieve a twisting revenge what, by the way, may be as abominable as MM's supposed S&M "party".

[Dean Rodrigues]

WOW. I go skiing for one week and have to spend 2 hours reading posts and comments... culminating in THIS!!!

I've got to say I find it hilarious. Moseley has always come across to me as hard-nosed and generally out of touch with the common man... so to some extent he's gone up in my estimations (much in the same way that John Major did when it emerged he'd had an affair with Edwina Currie)! On a more serious level, however, he has got to go.

The story has to be considered true. The News of the World are not idiots - there is no way they would publish this story unless they were absolutely certain and able to prove its accuracy. Given the legal ramifications of gross libel, this would have had to be passed by the upper echelons of NotW, if not News Corp. itself, and I am certain they would not publish unless they were sure they could defend themselves in a Court of Law.

Moseley cannot remain with this monkey on his back. Regardless of privacy etc., it is not feasible to have someone exert moral authority when they take part in questionable acts such as these.

Just to give my 2 cents on 6 days of earlier news:

- Malaysian GP - Raikonnen was metronomic, Massa was unlucky/a wally. Great drive by Kovi; Lewis was looking good till the pit stop disaster but all said and done should be happy with 5th.

- Alonso to Ferrari? - As a devout Ferrari fan, I think I would cry in Alonso joins the Scuderia. I originally disliked the guy for no reason whatsoever other than the fact he was head-to-head with Schumi, but last year that dislike gained some substance. I do not want to think about the implications for my support should this travesty some to light... but unfortunately I think it will do.

Lewis is a nice guy? - Obviously.

Ed being biased? - If you want to complain, go write your own blog and see how many people read it. Or write a letter to

Li Ki Givadam
No1 Care Street
Indifferenshire
U.K.

[Andy G]

OUT WITH THE ROBERT MUGABE OF F1

He must go now.

Someone said (I assume they were joking) that F1 should be governed like FIFA.

FIFA and its sick leader are corrupt as hell (allegedly) and made Max look fairly acceptable.

Not any more.

[Barry]

Found this, and laughed for 20 minutes.
RON DENNIS RUSHED TO HOSPITAL!!!!!!

Early sources report that he suffering from several hernias and stomach ruptures caused by excessive chest movement. Also he's suffering from severe dehydration caused by repeated urination and crying.

The ambulance driver said;
"Somethings made him laugh so much he's ruptured himself. All the time in ambulance he just couldn't stop laughing, he just couldn't stop. We had to put him on drip due the excessive crying and urination. He just couldn't stop, the horror, the horror...."

The doctors have confirmed Mr Dennis condition but have stated he should make a complete recovery as long as no one shows him The News Of The World again.......

[Kathryn S]

I think one of the more telling comments about this whole incident is this line in Ed's story in the paper: "Mr Mosley, who lives in Monaco, is understood to be pursuing legal action against the News of The World for breach of privacy." No mention of libel or slander (I can never keep them straight) or defamation of character...which is not exactly an admission that the reported acts actually did happen, but sure does lead one to believe it's much more likely than an outright fakery.

[Liquid]

Sweeeet!! So whom do you think makes a neat "next candidate" ?? Jean Todt? M Schumacher? It'd be great to know what all us fellow blog readers think... :) Ed.. what about you?? Oh wait... i have an idea... i think you should be the next one...! 'm sure youd make a gr8 one! :) wow!

[Flip]

I think he needs a therapist.

[Ron Dennis]

I wonder whether Max used any illegal traction control devices during that practice session?

[JoseBelgica]

He has to step down and leave for good before Barcelona GP. We do not have to forget that Barcelona GP will be the starting point of "No Racism in Sports" and it would be embarrassing to have this person as chief of FIA.

It is incredible how this guy was against a whole nation because 4 guys were dressed in Black playing Hamilton's Family, meanwhile he was having orgies dressing up like Nazi. (6 millions Jews dead in WWII).

[Shreyas]

Of course, he should resign. There is no place for people like these in F1. What makes this more saddening is the fact that his father (Oswald) was a certified fascist and a close friend of Hitler.

(Don't know why, but I am so happy!!)

[CHIUNDA]

The question is who is the best man to take over from Max Mosley? If it should be a younger man, which surely is what the sport needs, maybe Martin Brundle? But will be the powers in the FIA that are fronting Jean the Toad allow this possibility? Or is this an opportune time to shake up the rules of how the FIA Presidency is determined and governed? After all FIA is not only about Formula 1.

[Stevo, Madrid.]

He is "a certified half wit"... as well as being a hypocrite. When you are the head of any organisation, whether it be a 2 man team or a multinational/multibillion corporation, you have to lead by EXAMPLE. It is on this basis alone that Max has to go - no-one can take the FIA seriously now after this example of how depraved and sordid its president is. Moving the sport towards a FIFA style of governence and transparency is the right way forward, although it probably won't happen until Bernie shuffles off - although after reading this story a few times, he might die laughing... You simply cannot have the sport run by former team principals or world champions - and I include JYS/Ron Dennis/Jean Todt/Schumacher amongst these - the perceptions of vested interests will tear the sport apart like it has over the last few years. Lets have a fair running of the sport, leaving the racers to get on with racing.

[Dean Rodrigues]

I'd like to see a former driver in the role - Brundle or Schumacher would both be suitable candidates. However, the FIA is not just about F1 - it sanctions motorsport across the world and also represents motoring bodies all the way down to car owners... so people should be careful about making this a solely F1 issue.

[Mr W Hawthorne]

If this incident with Max Mosely can be used as a reason to get ride of him
so be it, He has never impressed me with the job he tries to do. F1 could do better without him.

Bill Middlesbrough

[ALLMAN]

I wonder if this whole anti-Mosley campaign has something to do with a certain lawsuit filed by Max against M. Brundle and the Sunday Times?

[Dean Rodrigues]

I think Stevo from Madrid is right about the perceptions of vested interests that would be inherent in electing former team bosses/drivers. However, I do not think the FIA should be modelling itself on FIFA, whose President is the most apt descriptee of a "certified half-wit" the world has ever seen. "Women should wear skimpier clothes" etc. If clowns like Sepp Blatter can hold FIFA Presidency for as long as he has, I really don't think their electoral system is one the FIA should follow...

[Fuchsia]

If it was just a bit of private, paid-for S&M, it wouldn't matter. It's the fact that he was whipping girls dressed in concentration camp outfits which makes it distasteful. He has brought F1 into disrepute - can you imagine the banners that will be flying in the Fi stands if he stays?

[Suzy]

I think IF the story is true, Max Mosley should resign. I understand the point that regardless of his sexual perversions he still could be good at his job, but I think a man of his position should be morally irreproachable.
Not long ago a US senator was caught attending prostitues and he resigned. MM should follow this example, if this story is true.

[CHIUNDA]

Perceived bias for the FIA president would be unavoidable - he or she has to have close ties with the industry and most likely have a history of actively participating in its activities. Thus it comes down to integrity and character. The only factor that would disqualify the Toad is that he would be so obviously biased towards Ferrari. But what of Damon Hill who as president of the BRDC would seem natural to the role - his only bias would be to keep the British Grand Prix on the calendar and i think that would still not be his decision but Bernie's.

Germany and Italy as the other major racing countries may also offer several names as would bikes-crazy Spain or WRC specialist Scandinavian countries.

[Pierre]

Max,

You've blown it!

Out is the only way. Good riddance!

[mecano]

As someone (me) who is more or less ignorant on F1 thus I cannot comment much on Max Mosley, if the problem here is not the 'sexual scandal' (anyone can do what ever they want as long as no harm done and its his private life) but the 'nazi' uniforms, can someone remind me what happened to Prince Harry when he dressed up as a Nazi at a fancy dress party a few years back?? I know he's still a Prince but did he apologise and was this sufficient?

[F1 MIkal in NYC]

as long as your personal life doesn't affect our business, do wtf you want.

Let us move on.

[Angiox]

Ecclestone is the one who must go.
I do not know if News of the World is trustworthy (I guess no), but Ecclestone has said that it can be a Mosleys's joke. Given that four disguised persons in Spanish Carnival could not be considered a joke, someone playing like a Nazi shouldn't either.
So if the fact is true, MM should resign.
But whatever the truth was, Ecclestone must go due to his interpretation of what a joke can be.

[Jonah]

I find it very offensive that the FIA should try to dismiss the matter as none of their business, as though unconcerned that the head of their organisation engages in Nazi role play. It wouldn't be too much of a concern if it was just a kinky sex session, but the story as reported is revolting: what kind of lunatic finds gratification by pretending to be a prisoner in a concentration camp? I don't see how he can continue.

[Nick]

It may have been private, but its far from it now. Bringing his sport and office into disrepute most certainly. Time to Go Max ! Retire to your Alpine Lodge / Dungeon

I think we've found the other half-wit !

[Nick]

Live by the sword you die by the sword

[Geoff Burgess]

Despical man, despical behavior, despical record as head of FIA. He should be appreciative to be living in a free democratic society, unlike the one his father wanted us to live in. Good riddance!

[Anon (original)]

FIFA corrup as hell? Enlighten me Andy G, I've never eard anything like that. What was hoping was that the FIA would be governed from a country with little or no involvment in the sport and that is neutral in foreign policy. And since Switzerland governsFIFA, why not let it govern F1. But hey, easy for me to say,being Swiss.But I've never heard of FIFA corruption, so please, enlighten me.

[Clemence]

To think Jean-Marie Balestre missed seeing all this by barely a day!

I'd say this is pretty ridiculous, if unsavoury in the extreme, if Mosley wasn't the son of Oswald and Diana Mosley, two pro-Nazi traitors. In the case of Prince Harry's much milder mistake, you knew it was just an ignorant kid's slip. But here? Too unpleasant to keep him at FIA, I should say.

[Iain]

Assuming this is true, although the video looks pretty damning this is the News of the World we're talking about, I don't see how he can stay.

Yes, his activities were in no way related to motorsport but for goodness sake - the son of a fascist performing concentration camp fantasies! It would ruin the dignity of the sport and this is a man who has to deal with the heads of state and royalty as part of his job. He should take the honourable route and resign.

[douglas tuttle]

The sexual aspect of this is distracting pepole from real shocker. As the son of the most notorius British Nazi, Max has history here. His own past politics were more than slightly fascist. The motor sport world allowed these to be glossed over as long as he kept it to himself. But that he allowed this to become public (five hookers constitues a public display doesn't it?) will doubtless be a breech of an unwritten agreement.

That he should and will go is without question. The fact that he may bave set up is irrelevant. He made it far too easy by being a very enthusiastic participant.

[Mark]

If Max holds himself to the same standards that he apparently holds others, then he has no choice but to resign. If it were me (and it would never be), I would not be able to face the public for some time after the video was released.

Too bad there is no US GP this year - if I knew Max would be there, I would come in costume.

[James Gatherum]

"The substantive point here is that Max represents, through his personality and his office, a respected and important international body. In the course of his work, he is required to stand up for good conduct and morally acceptable behaviour and he has made it his business to chase those who he believes have fallen short. One wonders how he can continue in that role when everyone knows what his own standards of conduct are in his private life" - This about sums it up. He's too controversial to be in such a respected position. How Bernie can defend him I don't know - I'm suspecting bias due to his friendship with him. I think if he stays it will be extremely damaging to F1 as a sport. These sort of things just cannot be allowed to happen - and in the case they do, cannot go unanswered.

[Ian]

I thought he only bent over for Italians. We live and learn...

I do wonder what people like Sebastien Vettel and Nico Rosberg (German) or Robert Kubica (Polish) and companies such as Mercedes and BMW will feel about this sordid little tale.

Was it a set-up? The filming and publishing of the article probably was but nobody pushed him in the door.
To show such poor judgement is unaceptable from the head of one of the the leading figures in World sport.

[Fred]

Wow, there are a lot of assumptions being made here. I strongly suspect that there will be no recorded evidence that this was a 'Nazi' party. Two people speaking german does not make it that. I suspect no swastikas were recorded either. The 'concentration camp' uniforms are also basic prisoner uniforms that would typically be used in prison roleplay. Probably no mention of Jews either. So, unless the NOTW come up with all that, what we have here is someone paying for S&M roleplay, in private, secretly and shamefully recorded for money, with a group of people who he then has a drink (and probably a good laugh) with afterwards.

[Nadie]

Times reputation grows with stories like this. Whores, SadoMasochism, Domination, Nazis...

Good job, Ed!! This is already a sewer!!

[Jason Emerick]

There is too much corporate money and image involved in F1 and other FIA-sanctioned series for Mosley to be able to survive this. It is not a matter of if he resigns, just when.

[D]

^
Ed >

Looks like your best mate Garside has created a rod for his own back:

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/sport/kevingarside/march08/maxmosleysinsexposed.htm?cmd=thanks#comments

Was his FIA accreditation looking wobbly?

Must be a big dilemma for him: should I make an enemy of Max or should I make an enemy of Rupert?

I reckon he's backed the wrong horse, myself.

I think that fellow "Penryn" had it about right, with the comment; "To catch a rat, you use a rat-trap."

Maybe some of our louder and more opinionated friends should turn their foghorns loose on Garside's blog and leave us in peace...

[Britboy]

I paid those girls a lot more than he did, and all I got was a sad old Diana Dors look-a-like with a pot of Clotted Cream and 3 blunt knitting needles. I laughed so hard, I nearly paid my license fee...

My opinion:
He must go, and News of the World must pay him all money he loses in the next 15 years by resigning as FIA boss plus amends for destroying his reputation.

[Snarkplunger]

I think the best way forwards is for all the teams to leave Moseley and Eccleston to their own devices and start a new organisation as they were threatening to.
They have an enormous opportunity now to make a fresh and more sensible start.
Under Mosely and Eccleston F1 has become "entertainment" and not "motor sport".

[jordi]

someone has pay lots and lots of money for this story to be publish.

[Pinaster]

I´m not sure what is the most disgusting: Max ass, News of the World, or Bandy G, Bowel, and Porker wearing a 7 days sweated national selection shirt. Im glad none are spanish.
Cheers.

[Chrismouse]

As the actress said to the Bishop ...I suppose it was "buy 4 get one free" nite at the Amateur Waffen Gruppen Fuehrer Karaoke meet?..it must be a public school affliction I guess.My advice would be..swear that you thot they were girls scouts selling girl scout cookies and head for Argentina!:)
It does add a rather whimsical blend of surreal humour to F1 doesnt it? Curiouser and ..next he'll be offered $10 mill for the memoirs and then theres film rites and prequel/sequel rites then DVD sales . That'll do nicely,thank you muchly Consternoon Aftable as they say in Baden-Baden in the Lhaw Hoffices of Stohlen,Krumpet and Beergarten.Anyone for tennis??Mein Campf or Yourn?Oh and Ed for President ( Us & F1!!)Cheers..

[Bob M]

Hi Ed,
and Happy 2008!
my first post of the year, and I could never have imagined that it would be about something like this. It's very simple: if the report is correct, Max should already have resigned. I am not a fan of The News of the World, and I note when I google "max moseley" that only The Times and The Telegraph comment on this story, suggesting that there is some scepticsm concerning its veracity. However, Max's rant (at Spa?), post the Mclaren fine, remains fresh in the memory, and was unbecoming of a man in his position. I wouldn't be sorry to see him go. Not sure who his successor should be; Jackie Stewart (?! - that is a joke, before anyone gets started!)
Anyway, back to the racing. 2008 is going to be awesome. I gave a few betting tips on your blog last year (including backing Kimi at 12:1!). This year pricing in the market (Betfair) for Kimi and Lewis has been ridiculous. I layed Lewis for the championship after Malaysia. Now Kimi at less than evens looks absurdly short. This year is going to be an absolute classic, and more drivers will achieve a top 3 finish than in a very long time. (If the Moseley story is true) Let's get Max out of the way FAST, so that we can enjoy a season in its pure form (unlike last year).
Lastly, I REALLY hope that the whole Spanish angle can move to another blog/site. Hamilton/Alonso is last year's story. Time to focus on the future.
All the best,
Bob

[John]

Ed Gorman, The Times

"Possibly as a result of the interest whipped up by the story, Mr Mosley appears set, however, to cancel a trip to this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix."

Nice reference to 'whipped' here Ed. Entirely coincidental...I'm sure.

[tristan roper]

Normally I would firmly believe that people should not be judged professionally on what is a personal belief or action. In this case, though, there is no way that he can carry on. He needs to go. He will go, but not of his own accord and the FIA need to act quickly to limit the damage.

[Jose M. Doval]

Well, I think Max is one more in a long established tradition of englishmen that enjoy with some kind of "discipline"... "Public virtues, private vicious..." it came from victorian morality but who can judge him? It's only a private party (ridiculous but private) and if he paid with his money, nothing more to say. Look Ed, from this blog many bloggers qualified catalonian fans as racist because the Montmeló incidents with Hamilton. I think here in Spain we're more open minded than brits and that was a problem of "stars war" not skin colour.
Come on folks! It's 10th anniversary of Viagra in the market! Let Max enjoy if he still can, but man, do some work at gym for your "chicken ass" if you want to show it again!

[Oliver]

Hahahaha! I've just seen the video! It's simply great! It's fantastic!

Great Britain, I do love you!

[Michael]

Assuming MM is guilty as charged, then no self respecting corporation could afford to risk having its reputation sullied by associating with such depraved behavior. Do the sponsors of F1 condone this behavior (I would not think so - as soon as Bernie realizes that MM's antics will hurt his wallet then MM will be sent packing)? MM has been bad for F1 for a long time, few would agree that many of the decisions made re Stepneygate etc were "fair" - not a surprise given the moral compass of MM. Races should be won on the track, not by some weirdo trying to impose his version of order on the world.

[ramplano]

The future includes any angle BOB or Bobo(in Spanish, silly). Spanish have the right to be here wether you like it or not, same as Italians. Brits, French or whoever wants to be. Could we stop this nonsense?
Regards

[Johnny P-)]

Perhaps I'm getting prematurely old but:

The only video feed I found does not clearly identify Mosley as the main character, showing someone alike instead. Moreover, the only "close ups" in the sequence show the man's face ¿deliberately? blurred, in such a way you can't reconize it. I can find no long enough sources available, but a couple of video feeds of a three to four minute sequence, which isn't really revealing at all.

I really hope for Human Race all these moral pundits are able to prove the document authenticity and the veracity of NOTW's story. This is just because MM also has the right to be considered innocent unless he is found guilty.

We should all consider what could be worse: to conclude he's been caught in action or to discover NOTW could have assembled a fake story.

MM may be not a lovely guy, either not the ideal character for many of us, but I don't find this is the right way to throw him out of his chair. If it's not the way you want it for yourself, you should find it unfair to others, even if you dislike them.

Good luck.

[Johnny P-)]

BTW: Isn't Ed able to find something interesting to post about?

I'm sure I am:

Pat Symonds regret for not being able to provide giving Alonso with a wining car. to Alonso, confessing that the R28 is still suffering from the time sepent in trying to solve last year's car aerodynamics issues. He also praised Fernando for fighting at his best in each race, performing at hundred per cent in spite of whichever the circumstances or his grid position. He is always competitive, and this is highly motivating for the team.

I won't be so lengthful (I'm a bit weary), but Mr. Luca Cordero di Montezemolo has spoken some nice supportive words for Felipe Massa.

Let's try on it, Ed.

Good Luck!

[Chrismouse]

Now if this story had only broken 24 hours later we couldve all shouted "April Fool" but as it is now that time in the UK ...good ole Blighty ...GMT ( Gross Max Time?) we can still shout "April Fool" .Twould appear that "Spitzeritis" has spread its contagion to European shores ..resulting in hibrow captains of industry buckling under the lure of vice, liquor and floosies! Egads..gadzooks...Steady men!!Just remember where the BRM 16 was born , the sound of its sweet bark mingling with crickets bats hitting leather and dumplings rising out of the stew..Land of Hope and Glory,Douglas Bader and Bomber Harris,Spitfires and Bouncing Bombs,Monty and the Desert Rats.
Can you imagine where most of the civilized world would be now but for The Few! Dead as a door-nail thats what.Arianised. Hooray for the RAF on its 90th!
If you ask me its the Roaring Twenties all over again... the high life,grotesque cars, wages , bonuses, bling-bling life styles ..and then comes the Big One but this time with Global Warming and a dash of Ethnic Cleansing..in a post 9/11 era where most think "Why not ?Eat ,Drink and Be Merry for tomorrow We May Die"..The Bugatti Royale marked the zenith then and the same brand Veyron repeats it eerrily now.Funny how fate has that little joke on us isnt it? Here today..gone tomorrow..real life becomes stranger than fiction. Fiction becomes reality.
His lawyers have advised him to wear a kipper tie from now on as the thin red tie he wore in a recent photo had annoyed the Gods of Fashion and Style... Windsor knot too please!
Now going back to my original thread ,there is more chance of Bernie being canonized by the Vatican than our boy Max coming out of this looking like Sir Lancelot ( forgive the pun..)on a white horse in shining armour
Probably a void moon the culprit.
Still think Uncle Ron should get the Knighthood .Ed too. I'll take Governor of Bermuda and my weight in gold every birthday..to strains of Secombes "If I ruled The World every Day would be the Fffffirst Dddday of Sppppring!" Sweet sweet Spring.

[Barry]

I have to agree with snarkplunger.
F-1 is such a money grubbing circus now (and has been since Berny and Max took over), that it seems to me, the only way to sort it out is for all the teams to form a new series,UNDER FIA RULES, and wait for Fia to get their Sh-- together.
It is ridicuous that tracks have too pay Bernies extortionate fees, get nothing from on track advertising and little if anything from television. The teams could also benefit without Bernies money grubbing hands in the pie, which would allow for less on car adverts, and more attractive paint schemes, as in days of old. Bernie talked Laguna Seca into radically changing their track in order to get an F-1 race, and it never happened. This is only one example. Now he wants Australia too race at night so so Europeans don't loose any sleep. What do you think the rest of the world does for most of the season? Silverstone is on the ropes, and we're to look forward to races in countries that have better things to do with their taxpayers money the piss it away on simething as absurd as a $35,000,000, once a year F-1 race that 99 per cent of their population don't even know exists? Give the rest of us a break.
Dump max first, then Bernie and the Fia. They'll come crawling back in time. And time is what we have. And if they don't, who gives a rats ass?
Barry

[Kalena]

But the reports say HE was the one who was treated like the concentration camp VICTIM.... so the girls were the Nazis? Or... ?

Since everyone seems to agree that he should go, if he was playing out fascist fantasies, would it make a difference if he was playing the victim instead? Just wondering..... this is so interesting and yet I really do feel sorry for the guy, as much as I dislike the way he does business.

[Colin Thomas]

So now we know what "spygate" was all about. Max just wanted to give Ron a good spanking

[Pierre]

Is there a Petition to force Max out?

I'd sign it ASAP!

[Tom]

Firstly, it is very hard to see why TNOTW would totally fabricate/fake such a huge story so comprehensively. Ok, they're not known for their accuracy and honesty but to stage and video such an event would be far beyond any previous dishonesty and would be counter productive to their main interest: Making money. Max Mosley and the FIA are well known to be one of the most sensitive sporting bodies in the world, so TNOTW wouldn't want to fabricate this as they'd know what the huge financial consequences would be. It just wouldn't make commercial sense.

It is over 48 hours since the story broke and still there hasn't been a denial from Max, a man not known for his restraint. That's because the video is real. End of story.

Secondly, Max is finished no matter what he thinks. The longer he goes on, the harder it'll get. Its not like its a 'minor' offence is it? If the story didn't have the Nazi element, he might possibly have got away with it. But I can't remember seeing something so blatantly career ending as this. Game over Max.
I think he probably already knows this, but is trying to maintain a modicum of self respect by making out that he can't be taken down immediately be a newspaper article. The world council will help to string it out a bit for him, but ultimately will want him gone. My guess is that towards the end of next week, he'll make an announcement along the lines of "due to the continuing bad publicity sustained by the British press, I feel it would be best to step down in the interests of the FIA"... blah blah blah.. giving the impression that its the media's fault and not his. Whatever.

I do hope his replacement is a truly neutral, non-Ferrari affiliated, proper president, who finally brings the FIA into the 21st century. Please?

[Tony]

No two ways about it, "Spanking Max" has to go.

[Kalena]

As long as Bernie still owns the thing, I'm not sure if Mosley's replacement will be any better.

[Annette]

Lewis didn't just suffered racist in Barcelona, but also in Jerez. It's was the Barcelona newspapers that highlighted what the Spanish racist were doing to Lewis Hamilton. It wasn't just 4 individuals either there were about 70 individuals shouting out racist things not only to Lewis Hamilton, but also to F1 Asian drivers and McLaren staff. Some of Alonso friends were even throwing things at McLaren workers, Alonso racist fans were also throwing things on the track. Alonso racist fans posted what their did on yourtube. It's still there.

[Neon18]

Maybe Max can get a job in the USA with AGR, I hear they are hiring whore mongers, and he'll fit right in with Honda-IRL!

[Bob M]

Pierre, a votre service!

[B Cave]

Annette

Do you have the YouTube link? I'm sick of people trying to brush it off as just 4 people - the original PitPass story said it was "large sections of the crowd who were shouting racist things and also throwing debris". Those who attempt to play it down don't really care about racism and what it does to someone. They're the ones who are apologists for Mad Max too.

Thanks.

[bernard]

of course he should resign. Bloody fool to get caught.No credibility now.Couldn't be taken seriously.

[Johnny P-)]

Ed, for god's sake!

Isn't that post from "Anette" offensive? To Fernando Alonso, by involving him with supposedly racist friends, and to Spanish -no need to explain, just reread it.

It's not fair to let anybody's offensive vomits to any group as Spanish.

Please, remove it or I will for sure write a complain to The Times management.

[Johnny P-)]

V Cabe... er... I missed the point just as you, ha, ha, ha...

If four people (a carnival "chirigota", BTW) are to represent Spain just because the British want to, OK, we will lower our heads, by being threatened for punishment by a such a (un)clean, (in)moral (those are your actual criticism) British as MM, and BE.

Sorry for you, may you attend the same therapist as the pretended MM should.

Bye, boy, bye.

[IDR]

TO B CAVE

You are asking for youtube viedos, take some:

http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=8S4CE9r2fOo&feature=related

http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=hJPfh21qqBg&feature=related

http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=PJKKo9Wu28o&feature=related

There are some more and you can find it easily as "related videos".

In fact, if you search "Montmelo Hamilton" you will find almost every video related to that, and other more recents.

May I recommend you to analize everything deeply before come here again to share with us your conclusions.

Take your time, please, we are not in a hurry with this.

[Johnny P-)]

Thanks to IDR, while he wrote:

"You are asking for youtube viedos, take some:"

Then, about the refs he provides, just before he recommends "...you to analize everything deeply before come here again to share with us your conclusions."

http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=8S4CE9r2fOo&feature=related

There's not a racist word in this clip, just the most common insults any Spanish can usually dedicate to their less appreciated deceivers, with not a sign of racism within.

http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=hJPfh21qqBg&feature=related

What kind of racism hides behind crying Uuuuuuhhh! to anybody? Tell us please, tell us more. Does anybody expect to find a majority of either FA's or LH's fans in Montmeló?

http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=PJKKo9Wu28o&feature=related

I insist on the latter two points.

Now, stating I won't agree nobody insulting or booing a sportsman in any matter, I should say this people are responding to what they believe was unfair behavior from LH and a great deception to FA from team McLaren. It's a rude way to express themselves, but the anger, the mass congregation, the distance and the noise can help all this insulting to happen.

Nothing else to add, but just to show how the British press loves promoting general believes from flatter or somehow inflamed wicked opinions:

http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=Ryosv5OpiUE&feature=related

[Andy G]

ANON

Do a little google research or try the BBC. Sepp has apparently bought up votes in lots of small footballing countries in return for allowing those national authorities to extort cash.

Very nasty. Even nastier cover up tactics. Big bully. Very Mugabe.

[ramplano]

It seems that a new cathegory is arising: Alonso haters and Spanish haters.Take no prisoners: Regardless of the subject of the post let's pour some venom about what annoys us the most.

Unfortunately racism is everywhere; ranking from the most highly educated people in England to the most unknown individual in Africa.

Quite a lot different thing is riding a high horse, feeling superior, which is what happens in this blog far too often. To me is just a matter of ignorance, a tribal thing, which as any other tribal thing includes firstly fear, then hatred, disdain and contempt. all of them bad feelings at the end of the day

Why don't we just stick to the subject? Who is best driving or constructing a formula one racing car.

[Tunde Uche]

Bottomline Mclaren now has grounds for an appeal against the FIA for unusual amount of the fine, as the can call into question Max'the nazi, not fooling anbody'mosleys judgement!

[Jeff Bellamy]

I have delayed posting anything until now as, like most people, I assumed that Mad Max would have the good taste to simply withdraw and go quietly. Now we hear he is intent on giving the NOTW a good thrashing (oops - sorry Max) because they had the nerve to expose his arrogance and double standards. I can only believe he thinks the public are completely stupid when he claims there were no Nazi undertones and that he was only speaking in German because two of the ladies were from that country. Come of it Max!! The camp style uniforms were what - something you found in the room and thought it would be fun to try on?
I hear that the German and Japanese manufacturers are upset, and so they should be. What will happen if they say they will pull out if Max continues in his post? Will Max finally confirm that he is, in his opinion, bigger than F1?
Max was caught out doing something most sane people would find repulsive. Surely this would be a good time for a little humility and apologies rather than outrage that someone has had the temerity to indulge in a campaign to expose him? Perhaps the vigour with which he gleefully and sanctimoniously pursued McLaren last year is coming back to haunt him.
Still, at least he has the dream of giving the NOTW a good caning (oops - sorry Max)in court, and if the lawyers are a bit slow just crack the whip (oops - did it again - sorry Max)and get them moving.
Alternatively, Max, just be a man - face up to what happened and bow out gracefully for the good of the sport and your family.
Jeff

[Will]

Personally, I don't think he SHOULD resign; it was an obvious stitch up. But I cannot see how team principles and drivers will take anything he says seriously from now on.

[D]

^

The address to which anyone who wishes to express to the FIA their view as to whether or not it should support Max Mosley is as follows:

FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE DE L'AUTOMOBILE
8, Place de la Concorde
75008 Paris
France
Telephone: +33 1 43 12 44 55
Facsimile: +33 1 43 12 44 66

Fax would probably be the fastest and simplest way.

(I hope the FIA has a good supply of fax paper!)

[Barry Martin]

Only a certified halfwit would get caught with his trousers down like this, and such is the arrogance of the man that he thinks he shouldn't resign from the FIA.
Considering his execrable parentage and the fact the he apparently met his wife at a fascist rally, he's got some serious issues to work through. I certainly wouldn't wanting him representing me - and Merc, BMW and Audi must have freaked.
Ron D, JYS and many others must be finding this hilarious episode the most delicious schadenfreude, and good luck to 'em.

[Stevo, Madrid]

And here is the petition for Max to resign. Please forward this onto anyone you know that loves Formula 1.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Mosley/index.html

Hasta Luego Max!