Bernie Ecclestone's Private Jet Stopped After Shotgun Found on Board as F1 Billionaire Questioned in Portugal

Bernie Ecclestone was questioned by Portuguese authorities after an undocumented shotgun was discovered on his private jet, with the former F1 chief saying he brought it for clay-pigeon shooting.

The 95-year-old billionaire was detained at Tires Aerodrome in Cascais on Monday following a routine inspection of the aircraft and its passengers. Portuguese authorities found the firearm and began proceedings after Ecclestone was unable to produce the required documentation for it.

Ecclestone later disputed reports that he had been arrested, telling the Press Association that Portuguese police had been 'very helpful' and were simply carrying out the necessary procedures. He said he had brought the shotgun to Portugal because he had unexpectedly decided to take part in a clay-pigeon shooting competition.

Why Did Ecclestone Have a Shotgun?

Ecclestone explained that his wife, Fabiana Flosi, had learned about the shooting competition after returning from Brazil and encouraged him to attend.

He said he already owned guns in Switzerland and had the firearm imported there through what he described as normal procedures. He then decided to bring the shotgun with him to Portugal for the competition.

However, Portuguese authorities said the weapon lacked the documents required for its presence in the country.

According to reports, officers asked Ecclestone for the firearm's 'blue book,' a document associated with the weapon's registration and required paperwork. Ecclestone said he had never heard of the document and did not initially realise that he needed it when travelling with the shotgun.

The former F1 boss said he went through customs after landing and was then approached by people accompanying him, who told him police wanted to speak to him about the gun.

Shotgun Seized as Criminal Proceedings Begin

Portuguese authorities seized the firearm as part of the investigation. Under standard procedure, a person found carrying an undocumented firearm can be formally made a defendant in criminal proceedings. It remains unclear what the eventual outcome of Ecclestone's case will be.

The incident is particularly notable because Ecclestone has previously faced scrutiny over a firearm while travelling.

In May 2022, Brazilian authorities arrested him after an undeclared .32-calibre pistol was discovered in his luggage while he was preparing to board a private plane to Switzerland. Ecclestone said at the time that he was unaware the gun was in his luggage. He was released on bail and continued his journey.

Ecclestone's Long F1 Legacy

The latest incident comes years after Ecclestone stepped away from his official role in Formula One.

He was one of the sport's most powerful figures for decades, helping turn F1 into a global commercial and television phenomenon. His involvement in the championship began in the 1950s, and he eventually became the central figure in negotiating television rights, sponsorships and commercial agreements.

His official involvement ended in 2017 after Liberty Media acquired Formula One's commercial rights.

Ecclestone has continued to attract attention since leaving the sport, however, with his wealth, family life and outspoken views regularly making headlines.

The latest controversy now places the veteran F1 figure back in the spotlight after a routine trip to Portugal unexpectedly turned into a police investigation over a shotgun he says he intended to use for a sporting event.