Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, 89, is set to become a father for the fourth time with wife Fabiana Flosi, according to widespread reports.
The billionaire, who is currently in his Brazilian farm north of Sao Paulo as they self-isolate during the coronavirus pandemic, will turn 90 in October – shortly after the baby boy’s July due date.
‘Yes, it is due in the summer,’ Ecclestone – who has five grandchildren and a great grandchild – confirmed to Swiss newspaper Blick on Thursday after the news was first reported by German media. ‘Hopefully he’ll learn to play backgammon soon!’
F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, 89, to become father for the fourth time with wife Fabiana
The F1 season has been suspended due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic (Picture: Getty)
The baby boy will be Ecclestone’s fourth child and first son, having had a daughter Deborah (65) with first wife Ivy Bamford, as well as reality TV star duo Tamara (35) and Petra (31) with second wife Slavica Radic.
Eccelstone and Brazilian marketing director Fabiana, who is 45 years his junior, married in 2012 at his ski chalet in Switzerland.
‘Like all parents we have only one wish: the child must be born healthy,’ she told Blick.
‘Hopefully he will never express any interest in doing something in Formula 1!’
Ecclestone added: ‘After my Formula 1 time, we’ve had plenty of time to practice!’
On his enduring sense of humour even during the global pandemic, he added: ‘Otherwise you’ll break yourself.
‘I just want everything to be good with Fabiana even if the isolation goes on longer.
‘Fortunately the farm never runs out of work. Fabiana also looks after her own coffee plantation.’
