» Book Review: ‘Bernie: The Biography of Bernie Ecclestone’

Bernie: The Biography of Bernie Ecclestone, by Susan Watkins
Hardcover, © 2010 Haynes, ISBN 978087330338

One of a handful of Bernie Ecclestone biographies on the bookshelves, Susan Watkins’ Bernie was hit with a five-year delay in getting there, and it has been the subject of much intrigue along the way.

Originally written as an ‘authorised’ biography, Bernie later revoked his endorsement of the book.

This is especially interesting when the book’s author is none other than the wife of Professor Sid Watkins, the Bernie-appointed safety and medical delegate of Formula 1 for almost three decades.

The controversy and intrigue aside, her access to Ecclestone has given the book plenty of first-hand material and anecdotes to paint a detailed and fascinating portrait of the man who controls the entire show that is Formula 1.

But the close relaitonship to him does make it a rather more sympathetic portrayal of him than is perhaps warranted.

But whatever you may think of the man, there’s no denying that he is an astute and extremely complex man, who remains hard to pin down and as shrewd as ever.

There’s little doubt that he’s quite happy with that perception of him.

Using our unique ‘Chequered Flags’ rating system, we award Bernie: The Biography of Bernie Ecclestone…