Bernie Ecclestone, born on October 28, 1930, is a British entrepreneur and former CEO of Formula One Group. Ecclestone is one of the most influential figures in the history of Formula One racing and has played a key role in shaping the sport into the global spectacle it is today.

Ecclestone’s career in Formula One began in the late 1950s when he entered the sport as a team owner and manager. He quickly gained a reputation for his sharp business acumen and negotiating skills, which served him well as he transitioned into a leadership role within the sport.

In the 1970s, Ecclestone began to consolidate his power within Formula One, forming the Formula One Constructors Association (FOCA) to represent the interests of the teams in negotiations with race organizers and the sport’s governing body, the FIA. Ecclestone’s leadership of FOCA was instrumental in securing a more equitable distribution of revenues within the sport and establishing Formula One as a truly global enterprise.

In 1981, Ecclestone orchestrated the sale of the commercial rights to the Formula One World Championship to his own company, Formula One Management. This move gave Ecclestone unprecedented control over the sport’s finances and commercial operations and cemented his position as the de facto ruler of Formula One.

Under Ecclestone’s leadership, Formula One grew into a multi-billion dollar business with a global audience of millions of fans. Ecclestone was known for his no-nonsense approach to business and his willingness to make controversial decisions in pursuit of his vision for the sport.

In 2017, Ecclestone stepped down as CEO of Formula One Group after the sport was acquired by Liberty Media. Despite his departure, Ecclestone remains a prominent figure in the world of Formula One and continues to offer his insights and opinions on the sport’s direction and future.

Throughout his career, Ecclestone has been a polarizing figure, with detractors criticizing his autocratic style of leadership and his often confrontational approach to negotiations. However, few would dispute Ecclestone’s impact on Formula One and his role in shaping the sport into the global phenomenon it is today.

As Bernie Ecclestone turns 90, his legacy in Formula One is secure, and his contributions to the sport will be remembered for generations to come. His influence on Formula One cannot be overstated, and his name will forever be synonymous with the glamour, excitement, and drama of motorsport at its highest level.