Ecclestone arrested at airport over shotgun

Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone was arrested on Monday at Portugal's Tires Airport near Lisbon and released hours later – for possession of a firearm.

Ecclestone (95) arrived at Tires Airport, where officers from the Portuguese Public Security Police found a shotgun in his possession for which he did not have a permit.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Ecclestone admitted to having brought the weapon from Switzerland for clay pigeon shooting.

"They asked if I had a blue book, which is apparently the required documentation, and I told them I practically never travel with such documents," Ecclestone told the British newspaper.

"They said they would arrest me, but after what felt like hours, we sorted it out, but it was a lot of hassle."

Ecclestone's Latest Arrest Not His First

Ecclestone headed Formula 1 from 1987 to 2017 and divides his time between his residences in Switzerland and Portugal.

This is not the first time he has gotten into trouble for carrying a weapon at an airport. In May 2022, he was arrested at Viracopos Airport in Brazil after police found a pistol in his possession. At the time, he had to pay a fine and was able to leave without further issues.

Ecclestone took over marketing control of Formula 1 in the late 1970s through the sale of television rights. Four decades later, the British business magnate controlled the series until his decision to step down. He continues to attend races.