Ecclestone: I’m the F1 hitman with no bullets

Former Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has said his new title is like “giving a hitman a gun and no bullets”.

The former supremo was removed from his position earlier this year as US giant Liberty Media completed its £6.4billion takeover of the sport.

Ecclestone, 86, who had been in charge for nearly 40 years, is now chairman emeritus and will act as an adviser to the board.

In an interview with Eddie Jordan in the final episode of the current series of BBC2’s Top Gear, which will air this evening, he was asked what the new title means. He replied: “I don’t know really. It’s a little bit like giving a hitman a gun and no bullets. But I’ve got enough money to buy the bullets.”