Words: Jonathan Wells
Bernie Ecclestone’s career in Formula One could be coming to an end. With an impending takeover by US powerhouse Liberty Media to contend with, the 85-year old recently told The Times, in a frank and upfront fashion, that if he doesn’t agree with the decisions of the new bosses he will “say adios” to the sport that has become synonymous with his name.
The son of a fisherman, Ecclestone has not only single-handedly climbed the business and social ladder, but he has also turned what was essentially a niche sporting event into a global phenomenon during his almost 50 years at the wheel of Formula One.
The following images show just how special Bernie Ecclestone’s sterling career has been, and how his professional and personal lives helped turn him into one of the most important men in British sport.
Ecclestone’s career in motor racing began in 1949 when he drove in the 500cc Formula 3 Series.
With Team Connaught, Ecclestone briefly flirted with the idea of being a Formula One driver, entering the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix.
Eventually, the businessman moved into management, buying the Brabham team from Ron Tauranac in 1971.
In 1974, Ecclestone formed the Formula One Constructors Association, and spent the next decade boosting the sport’s reputation on the world stage.
With help from friends such as Frank Williams, Colin Chapman and Max Mosley (pictured), Ecclestone built his empire – and fortune of billions.
Ecclestone raised and refined safety standards and the global organisation of the championship. He is famously very popular and fond of many F1 drivers – and is pictured here with Michael Schumacher.
Now in his third marriage, Ecclestone’s most famous wife was Slavica Radic – a model who stood a whole 12 inches taller than the businessman.
In recent years, Ecclestone has been accused of bribery and tax avoidance. Yet, despite these legal issues, he still holds $3.1 billion and one of the most respected positions in sport. But for how much longer?
It’s been widely reported today that Bernie Ecclestone is to leave F1 about 4 decades at the helm of the company, supposedly due to being forced out by Chase Carey. Watch this space…
Lars Baron/Getty Images
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