Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has made headlines with the sale of his historic car collection to Mark Mateschitz, the heir to the Red Bull empire, for a world-record price. At 94 years old, Ecclestone announced in late 2024 his decision to part with his 69-car collection, which includes Ferraris driven by legendary F1 champions such as Niki Lauda, Mike Hawthorn, and Michael Schumacher, as well as Brabhams raced by Carlos Pace, Lauda, and Nelson Piquet. One of the standout pieces is the Brabham-Alfa Romeo, raced only once.

Despite interest from various sovereign funds, Ecclestone’s collection was sold to the billionaire son of Dietrich Mateschitz, the late Red Bull founder. Mark Mateschitz has pledged to make the collection accessible to the public, a move that aligns with Ecclestone’s desire to see the cars appreciated by enthusiasts. The exact sale price remains undisclosed, but Tom Hartley Jnr, the seller, described it as "the largest single transaction ever concluded in the car collecting world and by several multiples."

Reports suggest the collection was valued at approximately £500 million. Ecclestone expressed his satisfaction with the sale, stating, "They've gone to a good home, which is the real thing I was interested in making sure. They'll present them somewhere, into a museum so people can have a look at them for a change which has never happened before."

Mateschitz, who inherited his father’s 49% share in Red Bull after his passing in October 2022, shared his enthusiasm with the Daily Mail, saying, "I am very pleased that Bernie has placed his trust in me to take care of this historically significant collection. It will be carefully preserved, expanded over the years, and in the near future it will be made accessible to the public at an appropriate location."

This sale comes after Ecclestone agreed to a civil settlement in 2023, repaying approximately £653 million to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) following a fraud case. He received a 17-month suspended prison sentence. Ecclestone explained that his decision to sell the collection was partly motivated by not wanting to burden his wife, Fabiana, with the responsibility after his death.

With this historic sale, the future of these iconic F1 cars seems secure, as they are set to be preserved and shared with the public, ensuring their legacy continues for generations to come.