After more than 50 years of carefully curating one of the world’s most impressive car collections, Bernie Ecclestone has made the decision to sell his prized assortment of Grand Prix cars.
This monumental transaction, which has been kept under wraps, marks a significant moment in the Formula One mogul’s life.
With a price tag estimated at a staggering £500 million, it is believed to be the largest sale of its kind in history.
The Sale to Mark Mateschitz
In a private deal, Ecclestone, 94, has transferred ownership of the collection to Mark Mateschitz, the 32-year-old heir to the Red Bull fortune.
Mateschitz, who holds a 49% stake in the energy drink empire founded by his late father, Dietrich, is not only a family friend of the Ecclestones but also a passionate advocate for motorsport.
The collection, which includes 69 rare Grand Prix cars, will now be in the hands of a worthy custodian.
Ecclestone expressed his relief in knowing that his collection will be well cared for by someone who understands its historical significance.
A Legacy of Motorsport History
Ecclestone’s car collection spans seven decades of Formula One history.
Among the most significant pieces are a Ferrari once driven by Mike Hawthorn, Britain’s first world champion in 1958, and cars owned by legends such as Michael Schumacher, Niki Lauda, and Sir Stirling Moss.
The collection also boasts several iconic Brabham cars from the team Ecclestone once owned, playing a crucial role in shaping the world of Formula One as we know it today.
Ecclestone has long been passionate about preserving these pieces of motorsport history, and Mateschitz has pledged to continue that legacy.
“These are unique vehicles,” Ecclestone said, “They have written sport history and marked technical milestones. They embody 70 years of F1 history.”
Mateschitz, who succeeded his father after his passing in 2022, assured that the collection would be preserved, expanded, and eventually made available to the public at a fitting location.
Ecclestone’s Personal Reflection
In a recent interview, Ecclestone shared his thoughts on the sale, admitting that the decision was not made lightly.
“I’m 94 now, and I didn’t want to leave Fabi wondering what to do with them if I was no longer around,” he explained. “I love all my cars, but maybe I should have done this five years ago.”
The cars, which are stored in Ecclestone’s private garage, represent more than just a passion for motorsport—they are symbols of his decades-long influence over the sport.
A New Chapter for Ecclestone
Now living in Gstaad, Switzerland, after relocating from London about five years ago, Ecclestone has spent considerable time on his coffee farm in Brazil.
While he’s enjoyed a quieter life since stepping away from Formula One’s top ranks, his legacy in the sport remains untouchable.
Recently, he celebrated the sale of his collection by picking up his youngest child, Ace, from school in Switzerland.
Ecclestone’s son, who shares his father’s love for cars, was no doubt thrilled to see the legendary collection find its new home with a man who shares his father’s passion for motorsport.
As Bernie Ecclestone closes this chapter of his life, he can rest assured knowing that his cars—each one a piece of racing history—will be cherished and preserved for generations to come.