At 94 years old, Bernie Ecclestone remains one of the most polarizing and influential figures in Formula 1 history. The former F1 supremo, who revolutionized the sport into the global juggernaut it is today, has now revealed that he was offered knighthood in 1990—but turned it down.
While Formula 1 legends Lewis Hamilton, Jackie Stewart, and Stirling Moss have all received the prestigious title of “Sir”, Ecclestone chose to decline the honor, stating that his contributions to F1 were never about benefiting others—but about himself.
“Whatever I did, I did for myself. If somebody benefited from that, good. But it was never my intention.”
Ecclestone’s Views on Knighthood: “It Should Be for Conquering Countries”
Despite being the driving force behind F1’s commercial explosion, Ecclestone dismissed the idea that he was worthy of knighthood, believing such honors should be reserved for historical figures who shaped nations.
“I thought these awards should only be for people who had captured a country, gone back to the Queen, and given her the keys. ‘There you go, we’ve captured India.’”
His response reflects his lifelong reputation for blunt honesty—a trait that made him a formidable power broker in Formula 1, even if it didn’t always earn him universal admiration.
“I’m Praised for Things I Don’t Deserve”—Ecclestone Rejects Public Adoration
Ecclestone also made it clear that he has no interest in public praise or recognition, despite his undeniable role in shaping F1’s modern success.
“I’m probably praised for a lot of things that I don’t deserve. I’m not looking for it, though. I’m not hoping that people stop me on the pavement. If they want to do it, good on them. What I don’t like is when they say something that isn’t genuine.”
Even decades after his reign as F1’s most powerful man, Ecclestone still commands attention, offering unfiltered opinions on the sport he helped build.
The Legacy of Bernie Ecclestone—A Visionary or a Villain?
There’s no denying that Formula 1 wouldn’t be what it is today without Ecclestone. He took a disorganized motorsport series and transformed it into a multi-billion-dollar empire, negotiating lucrative TV rights, global sponsorships, and iconic races.
However, his tenure was not without controversy—his autocratic leadership style, contentious decisions, and public statements often put him at odds with teams, drivers, and even F1’s governing bodies.
Whether fans see him as a ruthless businessman or a visionary leader, Ecclestone’s legacy will forever be tied to Formula 1’s rise to global dominance.
And while he may have declined a knighthood, there’s no denying that in the world of motorsport, Bernie Ecclestone was royalty in his own right.
