Bernard Charles Ecclestone

Bernard Charles Ecclestone, widely known as Bernie Ecclestone, is a British business magnate and former chief executive of the Formula One Group. Often referred to as the "F1 Supremo," he is credited with transforming Formula One from a European racing series into a multi-billion dollar global global enterprise. Although he briefly competed as a driver and manager in the 1950s, his primary influence stems from his decades-long control over the sport's commercial rights, television deals, and advertising revenue. Ecclestone's rise to power began with his purchase of the Brabham team, which he led to two world championships. He later formed the Formula One Constructors Association (FOCA), giving teams significant leverage in negotiations with the sport's governing body. His management style and business acumen allowed him to consolidate the commercial rights, effectively ruling the sport until his departure in 2017. Despite stepping away from an official role, he remains a prominent and controversial figure in motorsport history.

Bernie Ecclestone is no longer actively involved in the management or operations of Formula 1. Following the acquisition of the sport's commercial rights by Liberty Media in 2017, he stepped down from his role as Chief Executive after nearly 40 years of control. While he occasionally appears in media interviews to offer opinions on the current state of the grid, he holds no official position within the FIA or the current commercial rights holder. The sport has since shifted its strategic direction under new ownership, moving away from the centralized model Ecclestone built.