Bernard Charles “Bernie” Ecclestone, born on October 28, 1930, is a British business magnate, former racing driver, and the mastermind behind the global success of Formula One (F1). Often called the “F1 Supremo,” Ecclestone transformed the motorsport into a multi-billion-dollar empire, making him one of the most influential figures in modern sports history. His legacy is as much about business acumen as it is about his often controversial decisions, making him a key figure in both motorsport and global sports culture.
Early Life and Beginnings in Motorsport
Born in St Peter South Elmham, Suffolk, England, Bernie Ecclestone grew up in modest surroundings. His father, Sidney, worked as a fisherman, and his mother, Bertha, supported the family. From an early age, Bernie showed a keen interest in racing and mechanics, which led him to a career in motorsports. He left school at 16 and worked in a gas laboratory before becoming involved in motorcycle racing.
In the 1950s, Bernie shifted his focus to car racing, competing in Formula Three. Though his driving career was short-lived, it laid the foundation for his future in motorsport management. He began managing drivers and, eventually, teams, which would be a stepping stone to his future dominance of the sport.
Building the F1 Empire
Ecclestone’s rise to power in Formula One started in the 1970s when he bought the Brabham F1 team in 1972. As a team owner, Ecclestone secured wins and helped develop Brabham into a competitive force in F1. However, his true genius lay in his ability to see the potential of F1 beyond just the racing. He realized that television rights could provide a massive revenue stream, which would revolutionize the sport.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Bernie secured the first television rights deal for Formula One, and soon after, he took control of the commercial rights to the sport under the Concorde Agreement. This move effectively made him the commercial ruler of Formula One. By securing exclusive deals with television networks and sponsors, Bernie created a revenue model that made F1 one of the most lucrative sports in the world.
In 1987, Ecclestone founded Formula One Management (FOM), which would later be the central organization for broadcasting, licensing, and commercial deals. His influence grew stronger, and by the mid-1990s, he was the de facto ruler of the sport, controlling everything from the teams to the races, media coverage, and even the introduction of new regulations.
Selling Formula One
After nearly four decades of control, Bernie Ecclestone sold Formula One to Liberty Media in 2017 for around $8 billion. This sale marked the end of an era for Ecclestone, but it didn’t mean he disappeared from the scene. He continued to act as chairman emeritus for a short time, providing advisory services to Liberty Media. However, he eventually stepped down from his role in 2020, officially ending his involvement in the day-to-day operations of F1. Despite stepping down, Ecclestone’s influence remains part of the sport’s DNA.
Net Worth and Wealth
Over the years, Ecclestone’s net worth has fluctuated, but it has remained substantial. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to be around $2.9 billion, according to Forbes. This wealth stems not just from his F1 dealings but also from his investments in various business ventures, luxury assets, and real estate. At the height of his influence, his net worth reached well over $4 billion.
Even after selling F1, Ecclestone continues to make headlines with his property holdings and business ventures. His wealth was built through a combination of smart negotiations, television rights deals, and a keen understanding of how to monetize global sports.
Family and Personal Life
Bernie Ecclestone has been married three times and has four children. His first marriage was to Ivy Bamford, with whom he has one daughter, Deborah. His second marriage was to Slavica Radić, a Yugoslavian model, whom he married in 1985. They had two daughters, Tamara and Petra, both of whom are well-known socialites. Ecclestone’s third wife is Fabiana Flosi, a Brazilian businesswoman. Together, they have a son, Alexander, born in 2020, making Ecclestone one of the oldest fathers in the world.
Ecclestone’s children are also involved in the world of business and entertainment, with Tamara and Petra notably enjoying high profiles in social media and charity work. The Ecclestone family is known for their lavish lifestyles, including their luxury homes, yachts, and automobiles.
Bernie Ecclestone Car Collection and Its Sale
One of the most notable aspects of Ecclestone’s wealth was his extensive car collection. For years, he was known to have one of the most valuable private collections in the world, with over 69 cars, including classic F1 cars and rare automobiles from manufacturers like Ferrari, Mercedes, and Porsche. His collection included cars raced by legends like Niki Lauda and Michael Schumacher.
In 2025, Bernie sold his car collection to Mark Mateschitz, the son of the late Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, for an estimated £500 million. This was one of the largest private car sales in history, marking the end of an era for Ecclestone’s automotive passion. The cars were sold as part of a deal that also saw him offload some of his other luxury assets, including yachts.
Bernie Ecclestone Controversies and Legal Issues
Bernie Ecclestone career has been marked by numerous controversies and legal battles. One of the most significant was his involvement in a tax fraud case in 2023, in which he was accused of hiding assets worth £400 million from tax authorities. He settled the case and agreed to pay £652.6 million in back taxes, receiving a suspended sentence of 17 months. This case was a major blow to his public image, but it did not diminish his legacy in F1.
Additionally, Ecclestone has faced criticism over his business dealings, including accusations of bribery in various countries, his handling of tobacco sponsorship deals, and his remarks on racial and political issues. He has also been known for his controversial opinions on drivers, including criticism of Lewis Hamilton and other F1 stars.
Bernie Ecclestone Yachts and Luxury Lifestyle
Ecclestone has enjoyed a lavish lifestyle throughout his career. He is known for owning multiple luxury yachts, one of which was named Petara, after his daughters. These yachts have been the subject of much attention, particularly when he sold them in the later years of his life.
Apart from yachts and cars, Ecclestone owns several luxury homes worldwide, including in Switzerland, London, and the United States. His lifestyle has been the subject of both admiration and criticism, with many viewing him as a symbol of the excesses of modern wealth.
Bernie Ecclestone Health and Current Status
As of 2025, Bernie Ecclestone remains active, even though he is in his 90s. His health has been a topic of concern in recent years, but he continues to make public appearances, often discussing the future of F1 and motorsport. Despite his advanced age, Ecclestone remains sharp and involved in various business ventures.
He has lived a life that many would consider extraordinary — rising from humble beginnings to become one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in sports history. His legacy in motorsport is cemented, but his legacy in business is equally as impressive.
Conclusion
Bernie Ecclestone career has been a mix of brilliant business acumen, controversy, and unparalleled influence in the world of motorsport. His transformation of Formula One into a global commercial empire is a testament to his visionary leadership. While his personal life, legal issues, and public persona have often been the subject of debate, there is no denying that Bernie Ecclestone will go down as one of the most important figures in the history of Formula One.
From the racetrack to the boardroom, Ecclestone’s legacy will continue to be felt for decades to come, even though his time as the undisputed ruler of F1 has ended. His story is a testament to the power of vision, negotiation, and relentless pursuit of success.