HOWZAT

Unlike most businessmen Mr Ecclestone has never borrowed any money — “I have a credit card but hardly use it. I bought my yacht with a cheque” — so he is worried about the national debt. “Europe will be a Third World economy in the next decade, in particular Britain. In South America and Asia there is a work ethic. Over here they want everything for free. The NHS means everyone thinks they can have just what they want. I’d get rid of it. We should be running the country like a business rather than social care.”

He does not want to join the Establishment. He turned down a CBE and he would never accept a peerage. Is there anything left that he wants to do? “I am not a great planner. Even last week I had no idea what I would be doing today. You need to play things as they are.”

Life and Times

Born October 28, 1930

Education Woolwich Polytechnic

Career Left school at 16 and set up a motorcycle parts business. In 1972 he bought the Brabham motor racing team. In 1978 he became chief executive of the Formula One Constructors’ Association, with Max Mosley as his legal adviser, and masterminded the sale of television rights. He is now chief executive of Formula One Management and Formula One Administration

Political involvement In 1997 he donated £1 million to the Labour Party only months before Tony Blair agreed to drop a proposed ban on tobacco sponsorship of Formula One. Labour denied any link but paid the gift back.

Family He was married for 24 years to Slavica, a former model from Croatia. They divorced in March. He has two daughters.

Quickfire

Clint Eastwood or Marlon Brando? Both

Napoleon or Stalin? I didn’t know either of those guys, to be honest

Helicopters or Hoovers? Helicopters

Lamborghini or Lexus? Lexus

Champagne or Lucozade? Water

Motorways or country lanes? I rarely go on either. I drive between Chelsea and the airport