25/04/2016
NEWS STORY
Whilst viewer numbers, unique users and bums on seats have declined over the last couple of years, so too has Bernie Ecclestone's fortune.
The 2016 edition of the Sunday Times Rich List sees the Briton drop nine places over the last twelve months as his net worth has fallen by an estimated £460m
With his personal fortune still estimated to be in the region of £2.48bn, there's no need for the F1 supremo to resort to shopping at Primark or Tesco just yet, but the drop does at least demonstrate that the sport is hurting.
Indeed, the £460m drop is the biggest hit the Briton has taken in the pocket since his divorce from his wife Slavica in 2009... not to mention the £60m paid to the authorities in Germany to end his infamous bribery trial.
Despite lagging behind his teammate in the 2016 standings, Lewis Hamilton has made a great start to the year financially, the Briton's £109m fortune accelerating him into the top one thousand for the first time.
Elsewhere, McLaren boss Ron Dennis, whose team continues to struggle since re-partnering with Honda, can at least console himself with the knowledge that his £300m fortune keeps him well ahead of his rivals in that particular race.