Full Breakdown
Former F1 Chief Bernie Ecclestone Detained Over Shotgun on Private Jet in Portugal
9/7/2026, 8:07:58 PM
Incident at Tires Aerodrome
Portuguese authorities stopped the 95-year-old former Formula 1 chief executive after his Dassault Falcon 7X landed at Tires Aerodrome near Lisbon. A routine operation by the Public Security Police (PSP) reportedly uncovered a shotgun on board, leading to his detention for illegal possession of the weapon. Ecclestone later said the firearm was intended for clay-pigeon shooting and that his wife, Fabiana Flosi, was in Lisbon trying to resolve the matter.
Official Responses
The force clarified that the incident involves the Tax and Customs Authority – Lisbon Delegation, and suggested inquiries be directed to that entity. No further comment from the PSP has been released.
Background of Prior Offences
Ecclestone was previously arrested in May 2022 in Brazil when a firearm was found in his luggage while boarding a private plane. He acknowledged owning the gun but claimed he was unaware it was in his luggage. After posting bail, he was released and allowed to travel to Switzerland, later describing that episode as a “silly, tiny little incident” that caused “a lot of aggravation” for his family.
Key Figures & Financial Details
- Bernie Ecclestone – former chief executive of Formula One (served until early 2017).
- Fabiana Flosi – Ecclestone’s wife, who reportedly purchased a £35 million mansion in the Quinta da Marinha resort area of Cascais.
- Dassault Falcon 7X – the private jet used for the Portugal landing, valued at roughly £35 million.
Context and Implications
The detention adds to Ecclestone’s recent legal troubles involving firearms, highlighting the scrutiny faced by high-profile individuals when transporting weapons across borders. Portuguese officials have yet to confirm the legal outcome, and the involvement of the Tax and Customs Authority suggests possible customs-related violations in addition to weapons regulations. The incident occurs as Ecclestone remains largely out of the Formula 1 paddock following Liberty Media’s £6 billion acquisition of the sport in 2017.
