Bernie Ecclestone: Former F1 boss, 91, arrested in airport for illegally carrying gun
Former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has been arrested in Brazil while illegally carrying a gun, police have said.
The 91-year-old was travelling from Viracopos International Airport to Switzerland via his private jet when Brazilian police found an undocumented 32-caliber LW Seecamp pistol in Ecclestone's luggage during an X-ray check.
Ecclestone acknowledged ownership of the gun but said he didn't know it was in his luggage at the time, police said.
The Briton has posted bail and was released to travel to Switzerland.
Ecclestone is married to Brazilian Fabiana Ecclestone, vice president of the FIA and a member of the World Motor Sport Council.
In May they attended several events in the South American country, including a race near Sao Paulo and a meeting with triple world champion Nelson Piquet in Brasilia.
According to Globo, the firearm was unloaded and in a shirt pocket in his suitcase.
He was not carrying a magazine or ammunition.
Ecclestone is said to bought the weapon five years ago from an F1 mechanic, and has since kept it at a rural property in São Paulo.
The newspaper also reported that a bond of R$6,060 (£999) was set and paid by Ecclestone.
People who are convicted of the illegal possession of a weapon in Brazil could face up to four years in prison.
Ecclestone spent 40 years as the head of Formula One before stepping back in 2017.
He had previously entered two Grand Prix races as a driver during the 1958 season, but failed to qualify for either of them.
