Bernie Ecclestone, the former Formula One mogul, has sold his prestigious collection of Formula One cars to Mark Mateschitz, the heir to the Red Bull fortune. This collection, which includes 69 historic grand prix vehicles, is believed to be worth up to half a billion pounds.
Mark Mateschitz, who inherited 49 percent of Red Bull following his father Dietrich’s passing last year, plans to make the collection publicly accessible in the future. While the exact financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, it is recognized as the most valuable in the collectors’ car market to date. The collection features rare Ferraris driven by legends like Mike Hawthorn, Niki Lauda, and Michael Schumacher, alongside several Brabham cars and the unique Brabham-Alfa Romeo BT46B “fan car.”
The sale was facilitated by Tom Hartley Jnr, a renowned broker in the classic car space, who noted that this transaction sets a new benchmark for the industry. Interest in the collection was global, drawing attention from multiple bidders, including two sovereign wealth funds.
Bernie Ecclestone, who is 94, decided to sell the collection, which he had been assembling over five decades, to ensure it would be preserved by an enthusiast who appreciates its historical and cultural significance. According to Ecclestone, his decision was motivated by a desire to simplify his estate for his family and not influenced by recent legal troubles, which included a settlement with HM Revenue and Customs.
Mark Mateschitz expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, noting the importance of preserving such significant pieces of motorsport history. Plans are underway to display the collection in Austria, reflecting Red Bull’s heritage and continuing the legacy of these iconic vehicles.
The sale not only signifies a significant shift in stewardship for these historical vehicles but also highlights the enduring allure and value of classic Formula One cars in the collectors’ market.