Mark Mateschitz, 32, who owns almost half of the Red Bull Group, has bought Bernie Ecclestone's, 94, entire collection of Formula 1 cars.
Former Formula 1 owner Bernie Ecclestone has handed over his extensive collection of racing cars to a prominent figure within the Red Bull Group, billionaire Mark Mateschitz.
The collection, which consists of 69 Formula 1 and GP cars from five different decades, represents the majority of the history of motorsport.
The transfer, which has caused a stir in motorsport circles, is due to Ecclestone's desire to secure the collection's future.
– Mark is the best and most worthy owner we could have imagined, says Ecclestone about Mateschitz, who is taking over the collection for an amount said to be approximately 6.5 billion Danish kroner.
Ecclestone, who throughout his long career has had a significant influence on both Formula 1's commercial and sporting development, chose to sell the collection for practical reasons.
Red Bull billionaire wants to future-proof legendary Formula 1 collection
At the age of 94, the wealthy Englishman admits that age is taking its toll.
"All the cars I've bought over the years have a fantastic racing history and are rare works of art," he told the BBC.
The 94-year-old Ecclestone wanted the cars to find a new home where they would be cared for and preserved.
Mateschitz, son of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, has said in connection with the transaction that he has great respect for Ecclestone's collection and that he is committed to preserving it for posterity.
"I am very pleased that Bernie trusts me to take care of this historically significant collection," Mateschitz told the Daily Mail .
He added that he will make the collection available to the public at a suitable location in the future.
The collection includes a number of historic Formula 1 cars, including several Ferraris owned by world champions such as Michael Schumacher, Niki Lauda and Mike Hawthorn.
Additionally, the legendary Vanwall VW10, driven by Stirling Moss, is part of the collection, as is the controversial Brabham BT46B, which was banned after a victory in Sweden in 1978.
Mateschitz's acquisition of the collection ensures that these valuable cars are preserved and displayed, and that Formula 1 history is thereby also preserved. But when we will see them again is another question.
