Former F1 team owner Jean-Pierre Van Rossem, whose Onyx outfit raced in the late 1980s, has formally asked to be euthanised at a time of his choosing in his home country, Belgium.

Van Rossem, a flamboyant character with the appearance of a 1960s hippie who held a degree in economics, had allegedly devised a computer-based system called Moneytron which could endlessly predict winning trades in the stock market.

Unfortunately, it all turned out to be nothing but a huge ponzie scheme. But before the operation was shut down, Van Rossem lavishly spent millions, acquiring Onyx and running the team in the 1989 world championship with Stefan Johansson and Bertrand Gachot.

Van Rossem later dabbled in Belgian politics but was equally unsuccessful and quickly discredited.

In a recent interview published on Youtube,  the former millionaire and con-man said the time had come to put an end to his life.

"I've had a very tumultuous life, but now it's enough," explained Van Rossem.

"I am declining and I want to decide on my own when I will stop living. I hope to be able to say before the end of the year: 'Now is enough'."

"I've had beautiful women and owned beautiful women cars. At one point, I was worth $891 million, and I lost everything by betting against my own system. I will confer with my two sons about my decisions, and I hope they will understand."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

A final farewell to motorsport’s single Triple Crown winner

On this day in 1975, a somber mood enveloped St Albans Abbey in Hertfordshire as…

8 mins ago

Russell on McLaren’s team-order talk: ‘Not acceptable of fair’

As Abu Dhabi prepares to crown a world champion, McLaren has finally cracked the door…

1 hour ago

Abu Dhabi GP: Norris edges Verstappen in opening practice

Lando Norris opened the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend in commanding fashion, topping the…

2 hours ago

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Free Practice 1 - Results

Full results from Free Practice 1 for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina,…

2 hours ago

F1 drivers squeeze in tradition before Abu Dhabi epic

On the eve of Formula 1’s thrilling 2025 title decider in Abu Dhabi, the entire…

3 hours ago

Hamilton won't miss current F1 cars - but fears 2026 'might be worse'

As Formula 1 prepares to wave goodbye to its current rule set in Abu Dhabi,…

4 hours ago