‘Jobless’ dad-to-be Bernie, 89, says: I’ve had time to practise!
First son on way for ex-F1 tycoon
Bernie ecclestone is to become a father again, at the age of 89.
And, now he’s no longer so busy with Formula 1 and the world of motorsport, he’s had more time to get used to the idea of having a baby in his life one more time.
Last night he told the Daily Mail: ‘There’s nothing that unusual is there? i haven’t had a job for a little while so i have had plenty of time to practise!’
it will be Mr ecclestone’s first son and fourth child. The billionaire former F1 boss, who is already a grandfather of five, and his wife Fabiana Flosi, 44, are expecting the boy in July. ‘Yes, she is thrilled,’ he said. ‘We’re not sure what all the fuss is about!
‘i’m very happy and happy really for my wife. She’s been looking forward to this happening for quite a few years, so i’m happy she’ll have someone after i’m gone.
‘it’s fun, i don’t see any dramas, i’ve got grandchildren and i’m looking forward to having another baby.’
The tycoon celebrates his 90th birthday in October.
He has three daughters by his previous marriages.
Deborah, 65, was born to his first wife ivy Bamford.
His socialite daughters Tamara, 35, and Petra, 31, were the product of his second marriage – to Slavica radic.
Mr ecclestone had earlier confirmed the news of the latest pregnancy to German TV channel Blick, saying: ‘Yes, it is due in the summer. Hopefully he’ll learn to play backgammon soon!’
When the child is born Mr ecclestone could be ranked among the ten oldest known fathers of all time. American James Smith is thought to be the oldest recorded father, with his 38- year- old wife Anna giving birth to twins in 1949 when he claimed to be 101 years old.
in 2010 ramjit raghav, a farmer and wrestler in india, was reported to have fathered two children when he was 94 and 96.
Fertility in men drops significantly with age so the chances of a man who is almost 90 being able to be a father are low.
Mr ecclestone, who stepped back from Formula 1 in 2017, met his Brazilian wife in 2012, three years after he and Croatian Miss radic were divorced.
Mr ecclestone and marketing director Miss Flosi were both associated with the World Motorsport Council. Miss Flosi said: ‘Like all parents, we have only one wish – the child must be born healthy. ‘Hopefully he will never express the intention to do something with Formula 1.’ Some household names have also had children well into old age – though not quite reaching 89. Charlie Chaplin had a child aged 73, while Mick Jagger fathered his eighth child in 2016 with his 29-year- old girlfriend when he was also 73.
‘She’ll have someone after I’ve gone’