Former Formula 1 Chief Bernie Ecclestone Detained in Portugal Over Shotgun Found in Luggage: Reports

Bernie Ecclestone, the iconic former chief of Formula 1, found himself embroiled in legal trouble on Monday, September 7, 2026, after reportedly being detained at Tires Aerodrome in Cascais, Portugal. The 95-year-old was held after a routine inspection of his private jet, arriving from Switzerland, uncovered a shotgun in his possession without the necessary 'blue book' documentation. F1 Qualifying: Pierre Gasly Secures Shock Pole For Italian GP 2026.

The Incident Unfolds

Reports from Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha initially stated that Ecclestone was arrested by officers from the Airport Division of the PSP (Portuguese Public Security Police). However, a spokesman for the PSP police force later told the Daily Mail that their border control officers had not made the arrest being attributed to them. Other sources indicate he was detained and released hours later. The incident occurred as his private jet landed at the airfield outside Lisbon.

Bernie Ecclestone's Account

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Ecclestone admitted to traveling without the correct documentation for the firearm. “I had a gun that I was bringing over from Switzerland to Portugal for clay-pigeon shooting. It’s as simple as that. I have guns at home there that are licensed,” he stated. He explained that after clearing customs, a policeman asked to search his bag, leading to the discovery. “They asked if I had a ‘blue book,’ which is apparently the documentation you need, and I told them I never travel with documents like that, any documents at all practically,” Ecclestone recounted, adding, “They said they would arrest me, but after what seemed like hours, we sorted it out, but it has been wall-to-wall aggravation”. His wife, Fabiana Flosi, 49, reportedly traveled to Lisbon to assist in resolving the matter.

Previous Legal Encounters

This is not Ecclestone’s first brush with airport authorities over a firearm. In May 2022, he was detained in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for illegally carrying a.32-caliber pistol while boarding a private plane. At the time, he claimed he was unaware the weapon was in his luggage, describing the event as a “silly, tiny little incident.” He paid bail and was subsequently allowed to fly to Switzerland. 2026 F1 Italian Grand Prix: When is Italian GP Qualifying in IST? How To Watch Live Streaming Online in India?.

Ecclestone, who served as the CEO of Formula 1 from 1987 to 2017, continues to make headlines long after stepping down from his pivotal role in the sport. The recent incident highlights the strict regulations surrounding firearm transportation, even for high-profile figures. While the immediate "aggravation" appears to have been resolved, the situation serves as a stark reminder of international travel laws.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 08, 2026 11:03 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).