Red Bull Owner Mark Mateschitz Acquires Bernie Ecclestone's $650 Million F1 Car Collection
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Red Bull Owner Mark Mateschitz Acquires Bernie Ecclestone's $650 Million F1 Car Collection
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport world, Bernie Ecclestone, the former F1 supremo, has sold his legendary collection of 69 iconic Formula 1 cars to Mark Mateschitz, co-owner of Red Bull GmbH. The deal, reportedly worth $650 million, marks a significant moment in motorsport history as Mateschitz now holds the keys to one of the most prestigious F1 car collections ever assembled.
Bernie Ecclestone’s Iconic F1 Car Collection
Ecclestone’s collection is considered one of the most important in the world, featuring a wide range of race cars from various teams and decades of Formula 1 history. Auctioneers Tom Hartley Jnr Ltd have described the collection as “quite simply the most important race car collection in the world.” Among the jewels of the collection are several Ferrari and Brabham models, alongside numerous other historic machines that have shaped the sport over the years.
One of the standout cars is the Ferrari F2002, driven by F1 legend Michael Schumacher to win 11 of the 17 grands prix in 2002, securing his fifth World Championship. This car holds immense historical value, as Schumacher also set an F1 record that year by finishing on the podium in every race. Another iconic car in the collection is the Brabham BT46, famously known as the ‘fan car’, which was designed by Gordon Murray and made history in the 1978 season with its innovative design that provided exceptional downforce.
Mark Mateschitz’s Vision for the Collection
Following the private negotiation, Mark Mateschitz, the son of the late Dietrich Mateschitz (co-founder of Red Bull), now owns this unparalleled collection. Mateschitz has teased plans to make the cars accessible to the public in the near future. He hinted that the collection would be displayed in an appropriate location, allowing fans and enthusiasts to witness these iconic cars up close. Mateschitz also expressed his intention to expand the collection, ensuring its legacy continues to grow over the years.
Speaking about the sale, Ecclestone, who is 94, remarked, “These are unique vehicles. They have written sport history and marked technical milestones. They embody 70 years of F1 history. It means a great deal to me to know that this collection is now in the very best of hands. Mark is the best and most worthy owner we could ever imagine.”
Ecclestone’s Motivation Behind the Sale
Ecclestone’s decision to sell his prized collection came from a desire to relieve his wife, Fabiana Ecclestone, of the burden of managing the cars after his passing. In an interview, Ecclestone explained, “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.” The former F1 boss expressed concerns that the task of managing the collection would be overwhelming for his wife, particularly with the influx of car dealers vying for the cars’ sale.
Ecclestone added, “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.” The decision to sell was not connected to his 2023 guilty plea to fraud, which led to a suspended prison sentence and a record £652 million fine to HM Revenue & Customs. According to the business magazine Forbes, Ecclestone’s net worth is estimated at $2.4 billion as of March 2025.
Legal Battles and Controversy Surrounding Ecclestone
Despite the sale, Ecclestone’s legal troubles are far from over. He, along with representatives from the FIA and Formula One Management, is set to appear in London’s High Court on October 28 for the first hearings in the case brought by Felipe Massa against Formula 1. The case relates to the controversial outcome of the 2008 World Championship, in which Massa lost the title to Lewis Hamilton by a single point. Massa’s legal action stems from Ecclestone’s admission in March 2023 that he and former FIA president Max Mosley were aware of the deliberate intentions behind the ‘Crashgate’ scandal during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.
Red Bull’s Growing Influence in Motorsport
The acquisition of Ecclestone’s car collection by Red Bull’s Mark Mateschitz further cements the company’s growing influence within the world of motorsport. With the collection now in Mateschitz’s hands, Red Bull has added another feather in its cap, strengthening its position as a major player not only in Formula 1 but also in the wider motorsport community.
As the world eagerly awaits the public unveiling of Ecclestone’s historic F1 car collection, Mateschitz’s vision for its future promises to preserve and celebrate Formula 1’s rich heritage. With plans to expand the collection and make it accessible to the public, this acquisition represents a new chapter in the legacy of both the sport and its most iconic figures.
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