95-year-old Formula One legend again draws law enforcement attention after airport gun incident

Bernie Ecclestone has again come under scrutiny over a firearm. Portuguese media reported that the 95-year-old former Formula One chief was detained at Tires Aerodrome in the Cascais municipality after authorities suspected him of illegally transporting a rifle.

Ecclestone had arrived from Switzerland with his family on a private plane when the weapon was discovered during a routine inspection. Initial reports said police had detained him, but police later denied that account and said the case concerned customs. Customs had not commented or provided details about possible charges or further action.

This is not the first firearm-related incident involving Ecclestone. In May 2022, Brazilian authorities detained him at Campinas Airport as he prepared to fly privately to Switzerland. Officers found a pistol in his luggage. Ecclestone acknowledged that the weapon belonged to him, but said he did not know it was in his suitcase. He paid bail and was released to continue his journey.

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A stupid, minor incident

Ecclestone later called that episode “a stupid, minor incident.” He said he had bought the unloaded pistol in Brazil many years earlier from a Formula One mechanic or tire specialist. He explained that he had been told it could help deter attackers if someone tried to rob him.

Ecclestone remained one of Formula One’s most influential figures for about four decades, controlling the championship’s commercial operations and helping turn it into a global sports business. His leadership era ended in 2017.

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I was told that you need such a thing. It could be useful if someone tried to rob you or something like that. So I bought it from that person.