Bernie Ecclestone reflects on fatherhood and life at 95
Bernie Ecclestone is celebrating his 95th birthday in Switzerland, reflecting on the extraordinary experience of being both a father to a 70-year-old and a five-year-old, reports BritPanorama.
The former Formula One boss, whose career has traversed the evolution of motorsport, expressed that observing his eldest daughter and youngest son together highlights the vast changes in his life and the world around him.
Ecclestone marked the occasion with his wife, Fabiana, aged 49, and their son, Ace, in the Alpine village of Gstaad. The couple has adjusted their lifestyle significantly, prioritizing family life as they divide their time between Switzerland and Brazil.
Their routine is intentionally simple, emphasizing quality time together. Ecclestone noted that there is no screen time for Ace during the week, opting instead for structured homework and engaging family dinners. “Ace is a wonderful boy,” he commented, praising his son’s curiosity and interest in learning.
In contrast to his earlier life spent building a multibillion-pound Formula One empire through shrewd negotiations, Ecclestone’s current pace is notably slower. He enjoys reading in the mornings, afternoon walks, and evenings at home with family, residing modestly in a chalet overlooking the mountains despite his estimated fortune of around £3 billion.
The couple’s recent decisions include selling one of their yachts and planning to sell another, citing a need for practical living. This shift follows a 2023 court case in which Ecclestone admitted to misleading tax authorities regarding overseas assets, resulting in a £750 million payment in back taxes and a 17-month suspended sentence.
Earlier this year, he sold his prized collection of 69 Formula One cars for approximately £500 million to Red Bull heir Mark Mateschitz. “These are unique vehicles,” Ecclestone remarked when confirming the sale, underscoring the historical significance of the collection.
As he reflects on his past, Ecclestone’s relationships take centre stage. “Many people came and went,” he noted, acknowledging that only a few true friends endured throughout his career. For a man once at the helm of global Formula One, today’s victories are found in the everyday moments: a son starting school and the joy of family dinners in the Swiss Alps, a reminder that even in the fast-paced world of sport, the essence of life remains anchored in family and connection.
