Former Formula 1 supremo, Bernie Ecclestone has sold his iconic 69-car collection to Red Bull heir Mark Mateschitz in what is being called the largest private automotive transaction in history.
The 94-year-old had announced his intention to sell the collection in late 2024, attracting interest from sovereign wealth funds.
However, the fleet, reportedly valued at around £500 million, ultimately went to Mateschitz, son of the late Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, who has promised to make it accessible to the public.
A Collection of Champions
Ecclestone’s fleet features some of the most historic racing cars ever assembled, including:
Ferraris driven by F1 world champions Niki Lauda, Mike Hawthorn, and Michael Schumacher.
Brabhams piloted by legends such as Nelson Piquet, Carlos Pace, and Lauda himself. A rare Brabham-Alfa Romeo that raced just once.
A Deal “By Several Multiples”
Though the exact sale price remains undisclosed, high-profile collector Tom Hartley Jnr, who brokered the deal, revealed:
“This was the largest single transaction ever concluded in the car collecting world—and by several multiples.”
Ecclestone, once known as F1’s most powerful figure, expressed relief that the collection had found the right buyer.
“They’ve gone to a good home, which is the real thing I was interested in making sure,” he told Reuters.
Mateschitz’s Grand Plans
The 31-year-old Mateschitz, who inherited a 49% stake in Red Bull after his father’s death in 2022, has vowed to preserve and expand the collection over time.
“I am very pleased that Bernie has placed his trust in me to take care of this historically significant collection,” he said.
“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.”
Why Ecclestone Sold His Precious Fleet
Despite being known for his sharp business acumen and long-standing love for racing, Ecclestone admitted that selling the collection was a personal decision.
“With a bit of luck, I might get two or three more years, and I don’t want to leave all this for Fabiana to sort,” he said, referring to his wife.
“All these car dealers would be driving her mad.”
Ecclestone, who pleaded guilty to fraud in 2023 and agreed to repay £653 million to HMRC in a civil settlement, explained that he wanted to ensure his prized cars ended up in the right hands.
