Bernie Ecclestone has always been a very polarizing figure in the world of F1. People often label the former F1 supremo as the man who revolutionized the sport forever and while certain aspects of it are true, the fact that he hasn’t been short of controversy cannot be discounted.
Ecclestone has had some very strong opinions about sensitive issues such as racism and equality in the past. However, he has always been someone who has been under the spotlight, be it positive or negative. In fact, he was so popular among the F1 community that a former World Champion invited him on his own honeymoon.
A documentary surrounding Ecclestone’s life recently came out on Discovery+ and it is titled ‘Lucky!’. In it, he offers a glimpse into his life and career in the world of F1. In the documentary, he recalled a story about former F1 World Champion Jochen Rindt, who wanted Ecclestone to attend his honeymoon.
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Why was Bernie Ecclestone invited to Rindt’s honeymoon?
1970 F1 Champion Rindt, got married to his fashion-icon wife Nina in 1967. After their wedding, as most couples do, they headed off for their honeymoon. However, they also brought two people along with them which isn’t very common on the other hand.
“And they decided they ought to get married,” Ecclestone recalled in his documentary. “I was invited along with Tuana. The girl I was with at the time. They were on their honeymoon. Which I suppose is a bit unusual. I think basically it’s because Jochen and I could play Gin Rummy.”
Jochen Rindt was one of the top F1 drivers of his time. In 1970, he was driving for Lotus and ended up winning the World Championship for them but it was under tragic conditions. Four races before the end of the campaign, Rindt was at the end of a fatal crash in Monza.
Rindt suffered his fatal crash during a practice session. The Austrian lost control of his car on the world famous parabolica corner, and spun into the guardrails at a high speed. It took his life, but he had done enough to secure the Title, which he posthumously awarded.
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