Ecclestone Sells F1 Car Collection for Record $650 Million

Bernie Ecclestone, the former CEO of Formula 1, has sold his extensive collection of 69 historic racing cars, primarily Ferraris, to Mark Mateschitz, son of the late Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, for what is reported to be a record price of around £500 million (approximately $646 million). The collection features cars driven by legendary F1 drivers such as Michael Schumacher, Niki Lauda, and Ayrton Senna. Ecclestone, 94, expressed that he wanted the cars to go to a good home and noted they would be displayed in a museum for public viewing, a first for the collection. Mateschitz has committed to preserving and expanding the collection, ensuring it remains accessible to the public. The sale, which has drawn interest from multiple global bidders, is described by the handling dealer as the largest single transaction in car collecting history. Ecclestone's decision to sell was influenced by his desire to avoid leaving the responsibility of the collection to his wife, indicating he wanted to retain control over the sale process.