The undisputed driving force behind the sport's commercial and global expansion, Ecclestone's qualifying attempt was not a serious qualification, but he was not without driving talent. He started in his management phase in the sport as a driver-manager and then went on from there to manage Brabham. From there on, he became the driving force of FOCA and for over fourty years was, put simply, very much the leading ringmaster of F1 and a multi-billionaire to boot. His recent authority was slightly overshadowed by a corruption trial, which was eventually settled out of court in 2014 and this eventually led to him being replaced as Formula 1 supremo in January 2017. He will remain involved as an adviser and consultant but his day to day role is now over. In 2022, he was charged with fraud by false representation and in 2023, pleaded guilty to fraud. He has to pay £653m back, was sentenced to 17 months in prison, but suspended for two years, with his age and low level of risk to the public factors in sentencing.

Biography last updated 12 Oct 2023