Bernie Ecclestone is a renowned figure within the world of motorsport and a British former business magnate. He famously revolutionised Formula One racing by transforming it into a global multi-billion-dollar enterprise and is widely known as the ‘F1 Supremo’. Throughout his career, Bernie has been involved in ventures outside of motorsport, such as in football club ownership and significant real estate investments, resulting in him earning valuable insights across industries. As well as being a household name, Bernie’s strategic insight and engaging stories have made him highly sought after for speaking engagements and Q&As.
In his early career, Bernie tried his hand at racing. After realising that it wasn’t meant to be, he transitioned to the managerial side of the sport. His career quickly took off after he invested in the Brabham team and began to focus on team management and business. Bernie also took a leadership role in the Formula One Constructors Association, where he secured television broadcasting rights and sold them to boost the global reach. Later in his career, Bernie became the Chief Executive of the Formula One Constructors Association and gained control over the commercial and logistical aspects of Formula One.
Over the course of his reign as the CEO of Formula One, Bernie played a huge role in the global expansion of the sport. He added new races in Asia, the Middle East and the Americas and brought Grand Prix events to place like China, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi. He also managed to secure deals with companies like Shell, Rolex, and Pirelli, ultimately enhancing the global appeal and financial stability of the sport. After stepping down from his role as CEO in 2017, he continued to provide influence through his role as Chairman Emeritus and advisor to the board. Aside from Formula 1, Bernie continued to have impact in other business ventures, co-owning Queen Park Rangers football club.
With an incredible career behind him, Bernie is a one-of-a-kind individual to hire for speaking engagements and Q&As. He has a vast range of stories to tell from his years as CEO and a wealth of knowledge that he has gained alongside these. A trailblazer who changed motorsport globally, Bernie is a truly inspirational individual.
In 2024, we sat down for a Q&A with Bernie Ecclestone where he discussed his early life, his transition from driver to businessman, the deal that transformed Formula 1, and his thoughts on the greatest drivers of all time!
How to hire Bernie Ecclestone
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Bernie Ecclestone for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
- 2017 – Stepped down as CEO of Formula 1 after nearly 40 years of leadership
- 2011 – Sold his shares in Queens Park Rangers Football Club
- 2007 – Became co-owner of Queens Park Rangers Football Club
- 1997 – Negotiated the fourth Concorde Agreement securing control over Formula 1's TV rights
- 1981 – Finalised the first Concorde Agreement establishing commercial dominance over Formula 1
- 1978 – Became Chief Executive of the Formula One Constructors Association (FOCA)
- 1972 – Purchased the Brabham Racing Team
- Late 1970s – Pioneered the sale of Formula 1 television rights revolutionising the sport’s commercial model
