Incident at Tires Aerodrome
Bernie Ecclestone, the former head of Formula One, was questioned in Portugal on Monday after customs officials discovered an undocumented shotgun on his private jet. The incident occurred at Tires Aerodrome in Cascais shortly after his aircraft landed. Authorities reportedly found the shotgun during a routine inspection of the plane and its passengers.
Ecclestone, who is 95 years old, was stopped for questioning by Portuguese officials. He stated that the firearm was intended for clay pigeon shooting. Under standard procedures for such cases, the weapon is confiscated, and the individual found with it is formally made a defendant in criminal proceedings. The specific outcome of Ecclestone’s case is not yet known.
Responding to reports about the incident, Ecclestone told the Press Association that he was not arrested. He described the police as “very helpful” and indicated they were trying to assist in the situation.
Ecclestone’s Explanation and Past Incidents
Ecclestone explained that he was planning to participate in a clay pigeon shooting competition in Portugal. He mentioned that his wife, Fabiana, had learned about the competition and suggested he join. He stated that he already possessed guns in Switzerland, which had been properly imported, and brought one of those firearms with him.
He recounted going through customs, where he was asked if he had anything to declare. He responded that he had only “all the usual personal things.” After leaving customs, he was informed that the police wished to speak with him. When questioned about the gun, he explained it was a shotgun and that he was unaware of a “blue book” or passport-like document for the firearm.
Ecclestone informed officials that he had purchased the gun in England and transported it to Switzerland through regular channels. He denied attempting to import the gun illegally, stating he had passed through customs. He was advised to surrender the gun in Lisbon, where officials would then assess whether he wished to import it, which would involve paying duty and requesting a temporary import permit.
This is not the first time Ecclestone has encountered issues with authorities over a firearm while traveling by air. In May 2022, he was arrested in Brazil for illegally possessing a gun while preparing to board a private plane to Switzerland. During that incident, an X-ray of his luggage revealed an undeclared LW Seecamp .32-calibre pistol. He admitted ownership but claimed he was unaware he was carrying it. He was taken to a facility at Viracopos Airport in Campinas, where he posted bail before continuing his journey.
Ecclestone’s Continued Presence in Formula One
Ecclestone’s wife, Fabiana Flosi, has been associated with a property purchase approximately 15 miles west of Lisbon. This transaction was reportedly the largest private house sale in Portugal, with the price estimated to be around £35m.
Ecclestone has a long history with Formula One, dating back to the 1950s. He began as a driver and businessman before becoming a team owner and a key negotiator for the championship’s television rights. For decades, he was a highly influential commercial and political figure in the sport, instrumental in securing commercial partnerships, sponsorships, and agreements with racing circuits globally.
His official involvement with F1 concluded in 2017 when Liberty Media acquired the commercial rights to the championship. Despite this, he has remained a notable figure in the sport and is widely recognized for transforming Formula One into a global mass-market phenomenon.
The incident in Portugal comes as the racing world continues to discuss various events, including the recent Italian Grand Prix, where Kimi Antonelli secured a victory.
Source: theguardian.com
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