Bernie Ecclestone says one of these days Formula One could be run by a woman, Michael Schumacher could win a grand prix and Sebastian Vettel another World title.
Although the F1 supremo has often said he will remain in charge of Formula One until the day he dies, the 80-year-old could in fact relinquish control in "three to five years." And when he does, it may be to a female.
"Women have always had a strong influence, and have probably been in the background for too long. Isn't there the saying that behind every successful man there is a woman?" Ecclestone told the official F1 website.
'Looks like Red Bull again has the best car and the others have to close a gap before the first race...
Bernie Ecclestone
"I think that women don't get trapped so easily in their own ego. Women don't have to play golf to make deals, they simply have to work harder to get the same acceptance as men. As their egos don't stand in their way they decide things less emotionally and in the end that serves the cause."
Asked whether he could 'imagine women running Formula One racing', he said: "Absolutely. Probably in three to five years."
However, a woman in charge of F1 was not the F1 supremo's only prediction. He also believes seven-time World Champion Schumacher could win a race this season, although concedes that depends on whether Mercedes GP give him a car capable of doing so.
"I have not the slightest doubt about it. If he (Schumacher) has a competitive car, he's a title contender," he said.
"Michael is still very motivated and his physical fitness is as good as in his heyday. When you talk to him you feel with every word and every gesture that he wants to win again - more than anything else. If Mercedes gives him a competitive car, he will win again."
Schumacher, though, will face a tough challenge from Red Bull's drivers as Ecclestone says it "looks like Red Bull again has the best car and the others have to close a gap before the first race."
But should Red Bull's rivals fail to do so, he reckons the title will once again go the way of "very clearly Sebastian!"
As for the reigning World Champ's future in F1, he will one day drive for Ferrari - or so says Bernie.
"At the moment there is no reason why he should have wandering eyes, but one day I do see him with Ferrari. In the life of every successful Formula One driver comes the moment when he wants to sit in a Ferrari."
