Red Bull owner completes astonishing F1 purchase….. read more
In a landmark transaction, former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has sold his exceptional collection of 69 Formula 1 cars, valued at an estimated £500 million, to Mark Mateschitz, heir to the Red Bull empire. This sale marks a significant moment in the world of motorsport, as it ensures the preservation of some of the most iconic machines in F1 history.
Ecclestone, who amassed this extraordinary collection over decades, has now passed it on to Mateschitz, a prominent figure within the Red Bull family. Mateschitz is known for his close involvement in Red Bull Racing, one of the most successful teams in modern F1, and his acquisition of this car collection solidifies his commitment to the sport’s heritage. The collection includes numerous rare and historical cars, including several from notable F1 teams and drivers.
Among the most revered cars in the collection is Michael Schumacher’s 2002 Ferrari, a car that holds a special place in F1 history as the one in which Schumacher secured his fifth World Championship. This car, alongside others from Ferrari, McLaren, and other legendary F1 teams, showcases the evolution of F1 technology and design over several decades. Many of these cars represent significant milestones in the sport, and their sale ensures they will remain in the hands of someone who deeply appreciates their value.
Ecclestone, who is now 93 years old, reflected on his decision to sell the cars, acknowledging that his wife, who is 48 years his junior, would not have known what to do with the collection after his passing. Ecclestone’s admission sheds light on the difficulty of managing such a vast and valuable collection, especially as he nears the age of 100. The collection had long been a point of pride for Ecclestone, symbolizing his legacy within the world of F1.
The sale has captured the attention of motorsport fans and collectors alike, with the cars set to be preserved as part of a wider effort to maintain the history of the sport. Mateschitz’s purchase ensures that this slice of Formula 1 history will be cherished and respected, either through public exhibitions or as part of his personal collection. The deal highlights the ever-growing intersection between motorsport and high-end collecting, where rare F1 cars become valuable artifacts of technological and cultural significance.
This transaction also underscores the ongoing influence of Ecclestone, even as he steps back from his direct involvement in the sport. His contribution to F1 is unparalleled, and this sale ensures that his legacy will live on through the cars that helped shape the sport over many decades. With Mateschitz now in possession of these cars, they will continue to inspire future generations of F1 fans and collectors, making this a truly momentous moment in Formula 1 history.
