Bernie Ecclestone, the former Formula 1 boss who is 95 years old, was intercepted on Monday at Tires Aerodrome, in Cascais, after authorities found a shotgun on his private jet. The interception took place during a routine operation, after the aircraft landed, and was carried out by the Tax and Customs Authority — and not by the Airport Division, as was initially thought. The British businessman was held for several hours and the weapon was seized.
The shotgun was traveling without the documentation required by law for the transport of firearms. When questioned by authorities, Ecclestone explained that the weapon was intended for clay pigeon shooting, thus attempting to justify its presence in his luggage. The former Formula 1 owner considered the situation to be simple and without further complexity.
The case became public when the information began circulating in the media, revealing that one of the most well-known figures in world motorsport was caught in a routine inspection at a small Portuguese aerodrome. Ecclestone, who commanded Formula 1 for decades, has maintained residence in Portugal for several years, which explains his presence in the country.
