That stance explained why Ecclestone recently sent a letter to McLaren, which was circulated to all teams, warning about the posting of F1 videos on YouTube.
Ecclestone was referring to a garage video from inside the McLaren garage taken by rap star Ice-T at the Canadian Grand Prix which became a cult hit – as much for its foul language as for who took it - but which kept being repeatedly taken down.
In the letter to Whitmarsh, Ecclestone said: "I am quite sure it has been brought to your attention that one of your guests recorded activities in the pits and placed it on YouTube.
"You will understand why I am so strict on access and allowing people in the pits with cameras. Perhaps you would make sure that these things do not happen as it could cause unforeseen problems."