Liberty tells Bernie it's time to go

On this day in 2017, Bernie Ecclestone was dismissed as the long-standing chief executive of Formula 1.

It was a forced exit for the 86-year-old in the wake of Liberty Media's takeover of Formula 1.

The decision brought to an end one of the most remarkable and successful reigns in the history of sports, the former supremo having ruled for four decades over Grand Prix racing and elevated the discipline to a global franchise and financial powerhouse.

"I'm proud of the business that I built over the last 40 years and all that I have achieved with Formula 1," commented Ecclestone at the time.

"I would like to thank all of the promoters, teams, sponsors and television companies that I have worked with.

"I'm very pleased that the business has been acquired by Liberty and that it intends to invest in the future of F1."

Ecclestone was given the title of "Chairman Emeritus" while Liberty's Chase Carey was appointed CEO.

Bernie Ecclestone with the late Niki Lauda on the grid in Brazil in 2017

A 2022 eight-episode docu-series by Manish Pandey - the producer of 'Senna' - entitled 'Lucky', recounts Ecclestone's extraordinary story, with the man himself narrating his rise to power through the prism of his own memories.

Ecclestone casts a ghostly figure as he speaks directly at the camera and travels down memory lane. The deals, the briefcases full of cash, the personal ordeals, his tax case, Putin, etc... Bernie tells it all.

The film is a must see in the UK on Discovery+ and on other platforms internationally.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.