Bernie Ecclestone, the 95-year-old former head of Formula 1, was briefly detained by police in Portugal after authorities found an unregistered hunting rifle in his luggage at Tires airfield near Lisbon, according to reports from the Associated Press and the Hungarian news outlet Telex. The sports executive was released a few hours later following the incident.
The Airport Incident Near Lisbon
Local law enforcement officials at Tires airfield detained Ecclestone after security checks revealed the firearm, which lacked proper local documentation, according to the Associated Press. The former F1 leader explained to the Daily Mail that he purchased the weapon in Switzerland specifically for pigeon shooting. During the check, officers asked for a specific document that he termed a “blue book.” Ecclestone told the publication that he never travels with such paperwork, calling the subsequent detention an endless and annoying experience that took hours to resolve.
Previous Airport Security Incidents Involving Firearms
This event marks the second time in recent years that the former motorsport boss has faced airport security trouble over a weapon. According to 24per7.hu, Ecclestone was similarly caught with a firearm at an airport in Brazil back in 2022. That prior incident concluded when he paid a financial penalty to settle the matter with authorities.
Did you know? Bernie Ecclestone managed the commercial rights and overall direction of Formula 1 for three decades, steering the sport from 1987 until 2017. Today, the British businessman divides his time by living between properties in Switzerland and Portugal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Bernie Ecclestone detained in Portugal?
According to the Associated Press and Telex, Portuguese police detained Ecclestone at Tires airport near Lisbon because officers discovered a hunting rifle in his possession without the required local permits.
Where did Ecclestone get the hunting rifle?
Ecclestone told the Daily Mail that he originally bought the firearm in Switzerland for the purpose of pigeon shooting.
Has this happened to Ecclestone before?
Yes.
How long was the former F1 chief held by police?
According to Telex, the Portuguese police released the 95-year-old businessman a few hours after his initial detention once the administrative and security checks were completed.
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