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'Senna' producer puts Bernie Ecclestone docuseries on its rails

An eight-part series chronicling the life of former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone will be produced by BAFTA award-winning 'Senna' producer/writer Manish Pandey.

The series, called 'Lucky!' has already entered production, with Pandey's company Jiva Maya filming at Ecclestone's home in Switzerland during the recent lockdown period.

The 90-year-old former F1 supremo, a former driver manager turned team owner, spearheaded for four decades Grand Prix racing's extraordinary development and prosperity, transforming a sport beloved by a small community of aficionados into a global business empire.

A racer at heart, but also a divisive figure in the paddock who wielded enormous power, Ecclestone was forced to pass on the baton upon Formula 1's takeover by Liberty Media at the start of 2017.

"This is the first time I've trusted anyone to tell my story and the story of Formula 1, and Manish is the only storyteller and director who I believe can bring these to the screen,” Ecclestone said.

“And he isn't just a great storyteller - he's also a great fan. He's been watching Formula 1 since he could walk and his knowledge of the world and its 'movers and shakers' is encyclopaedic and his passion unsurpassed."

Read also: Ecclestone labels F1 Sprint Qualifying format 'complete nonsense'

The series will chronicle Ecclestone's life and "the birth growth and phenomenal success of Formula 1”, with Jiva Maya granted access to Formula One Management's "unprecedented archive".

"Bernie has been able to reflect, not just on his days as one of the greatest sporting impresarios of all time, but also on his life," said Pandey.

"In his 90 years, he has travelled the world and met everyone who is anyone, yet he remains incredibly personable and immensely funny. It is a joy to tell his extraordinary story, in full, for the first time."

F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali added: "Formula 1 is a truly global sport with over 70 years of history created by Bernie that has a huge part of making the sport what it is.

”With half a billion global fans, and races in 23 countries, the interest and excitement around Formula 1 is huge and there will be eager anticipation for the series that will take the viewers on a journey into the life of one of sport's most interesting characters."

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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.