B ernard "Bernie" Ecclestone is a British business magnate who is widely credited with transforming Formula One (F1) into the global, multi-billion dollar commercial spectacle it is today. A former car salesman and driver manager, Ecclestone's involvement with F1 deepened in the 1970s when he bought the Brabham team. He soon recognized the immense untapped commercial potential of the sport's television rights.

Through decades of shrewd and often autocratic deal-making, he consolidated control over F1's commercial rights, negotiating lucrative broadcasting and race-hosting contracts that made him and the racing teams incredibly wealthy. He ruled the sport with an iron fist for nearly 40 years, becoming its undisputed ringmaster. In 2017, his reign came to an end when the American company Liberty Media acquired Formula One for $4.4 billion, and Ecclestone was moved to an emeritus role. His fortune is now managed through his family's trust.