The former Formula 1 CEO faces legal troubles again after a recent arrest at Tires Aerodrome
Category: Sports
Former Formula 1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone, aged 95, was arrested on September 7, 2026, at Tires Aerodrome in Cascais, Portugal, for allegedly carrying an illegal shotgun. The arrest occurred shortly after Ecclestone's private jet landed at 10:55 AM local time, having flown in from Saanen, Switzerland. Airport police from the Public Security Police (PSP) conducted the arrest during what has been described as a routine operation.
This incident marks another chapter in Ecclestone's history of legal troubles involving firearms. The former F1 boss has previously faced similar allegations, raising questions about his judgment and approach to gun ownership.
Ecclestone's recent arrest has drawn attention due to his high-profile background and because he has previously been detained for carrying a weapon at an airport. In May 2022, he was arrested at Viracopos Airport in Brazil for possessing an undocumented LW Seecamp .32 handgun. He paid bail of 6,060 Brazilian reals (approximately $1,260) and described that incident as a "silly, tiny little incident," claiming he was unaware the gun was in his luggage.
Bernie Ecclestone's legal issues are not new. He has been a controversial figure in the world of motorsport since founding the Formula One Group in 1987, controlling its commercial rights until 2017. His recent arrest in Portugal comes on the heels of a conviction for tax fraud in October 2023, where he was sentenced to 17 months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay over £650 million in unpaid taxes and penalties.
In the current incident, Ecclestone claimed he was bringing the shotgun from Switzerland to Portugal for clay-pigeon shooting, insisting he has licensed firearms at his residence. He explained, "I had a gun that I was bringing over from Switzerland to Portugal for clay-pigeon shooting. It's as simple as that. I have guns at home there that are licensed." He also acknowledged being asked for documentation for the gun but stated he never travels with such papers, leading to his detention.
Ecclestone's wife, Fabiana Flosi, who is significantly younger than him, recently purchased a £35 million mansion in the Quinta da Marinha resort area of Cascais, which has been noted as the largest private home sale in Portugal's history. The couple's presence in Portugal has expanded in recent years, with Ecclestone dividing his time between properties in Switzerland, Portugal, and Brazil.
Local reports indicate that the PSP has not officially commented on the specifics of Ecclestone's arrest. A spokesperson for the PSP mentioned that inquiries should be directed to the Tax and Customs Authority, implying that the situation may involve customs regulations rather than a straightforward criminal charge. As of now, Ecclestone has not been formally charged.
In light of the previous incident in Brazil, Ecclestone's legal team may argue similar circumstances for the current situation. During the 2022 incident, he maintained that he had bought the handgun from a Formula One mechanic years prior as a deterrent against muggers, claiming it was not loaded and that he had simply forgotten it was in his luggage.
His remarks from that time resonate with his current predicament: "They said you need something like this. It might work if someone tried to mug you or something. So I bought it from the guy. I had it in the house and used to muck around with it if people came to visit me or something, we would joke around." This narrative of innocence and misunderstanding may play a role in how his current legal challenges are perceived.
As the situation develops, it is uncertain how the Portuguese authorities will proceed with the case. Ecclestone mentioned that after several hours of confusion, he and his wife were working to resolve the matter, with Fabiana reportedly going to Lisbon to surrender the gun or pay any necessary taxes. He said, "It could have been [his son] Ace's fishing tackle for all it looked like, but it wasn't."
Ecclestone's future in Portugal and his ability to continue enjoying his lifestyle may hinge on the outcomes of this arrest. The businessman has expressed frustration over the incident, referring to it as "wall-to-wall aggravation." He added, "But it seems it can be put right."
As of now, the PSP has yet to provide a detailed statement, and the public awaits clarity on whether charges will be filed against the former F1 chief. Ecclestone's past experiences with law enforcement suggest he may navigate this situation similarly to his previous encounters, albeit with the added scrutiny that comes from his high-profile status.
In the coming days, updates are expected as the authorities clarify the circumstances surrounding the arrest and Ecclestone's legal team prepares to address any potential charges. The outcome could very well affect his legal standing and his reputation within the motorsport community and beyond.