Bernie Ecclestone Reveals Real Reason Behind Selling Massive F1 Car Collection
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Bernie Ecclestone reveals the real reason behind selling his extensive Formula 1 car collection, discussing the future of his legacy and the burden on his wife.
Bernie Ecclestone Reveals Real Reason Behind Selling Massive F1 Car Collection
Bernie Ecclestone, the former head of Formula 1, has revealed the true motivation behind the sale of his vast and renowned Formula 1 car collection. The 94-year-old billionaire, who once held the reins of the world’s premier motorsport series, has stated that his decision stems from not wanting to burden his wife, Fabiana Ecclestone, with the daunting task of managing his impressive collection after his passing.
F1 Car Collection Sale: The Auction of the Century
Ecclestone’s private collection of 69 Formula 1 cars, which is estimated to be worth approximately £500 million ($620 million), went up for sale towards the end of 2024. Auctioneers Tom Hartley Jnr Ltd have called it “quite simply the most important race car collection in the world,” highlighting the immense historical and financial value of the collection.
The sale includes rare models from iconic F1 teams, such as Ferrari and Brabham, alongside other historically significant cars that span the entirety of Formula 1's storied history. This extensive collection is considered one of the most valuable and comprehensive in motorsport, attracting global interest from collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Ecclestone's Motivations for Selling the Collection
During an interview with the Telegraph, Ecclestone addressed the reasons behind his decision to sell the cars, dismissing speculation that the sale was tied to his legal troubles. In 2023, Ecclestone pleaded guilty to fraud, leading to a suspended prison sentence and a £652 million fine to HM Revenue & Customs. Despite these financial setbacks, Forbes recently estimated his net worth at $2.4 billion (£1.9 billion) as of February 2025.
Ecclestone clarified that the decision was not financially motivated but instead driven by a desire to protect his family’s future. “It’s very easy,” Ecclestone said when explaining his decision. “With a bit of luck, I might get two or three more years, and I don’t want to leave all this for Fabiana to sort. All these car dealers would be driving her mad, so the best thing to do is to get all the cars together and try to make sure they go to proper homes.”
Ensuring a Legacy: Ecclestone's Commitment to the Cars’ Future
Ecclestone’s primary concern is ensuring that his prized cars are sold to owners who will preserve their legacy and treat them with the respect they deserve. His decision to consolidate the cars into one sale is intended to avoid any future complications for his wife, Fabiana, who currently serves as the FIA vice president for sport in South America.
Additionally, Ecclestone acknowledged that his youngest son, Ace, may not share his interest in handling the collection. “Ace might not be interested in handling all this either. He might be more into football,” Ecclestone said, suggesting that the future of the collection might not align with his family’s personal interests. The sale, therefore, represents a way of securing the future of his collection and ensuring it finds the right homes while he is still able to manage the process himself.
Conclusion: A Difficult Decision for a Legendary Figure
While Bernie Ecclestone’s decision to part with his vast Formula 1 car collection marks the end of an era, it is clear that his motivation is rooted in a deep sense of responsibility toward his family. Rather than leaving the burden of managing his legacy to his wife or son, Ecclestone has taken proactive steps to ensure his cars are passed on to new owners who will cherish and protect them for future generations.
As Ecclestone himself put it, “Sooner or later, this had to happen. I’m still more or less in control, so I can do what I like. Maybe in another year I won’t be able to.” His decision to sell the collection is a testament to his foresight and desire to handle his legacy on his own terms.
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