Bernie Ecclestone discovered daughter’s £12 million wedding bill much later

Bernie Ecclestone found out his daughter Petra’s wedding had cost him more than £12 million only after it was over, as his ex-wife settled the bill without his knowledge.

The Formula One boss was under the impression that his daughter’s nuptials had cost £5 million but he discovered the gigantic bill in a German court hearing on Nov 10.

Ecclestone, 81, is one of the witnesses in the fraud trial of German banker Gerhard Gribkowsky, who is accused of corruption and tax evasion, and who had blackmailed the racing mogul for £27 million in 2006.

While giving evidence for a second day at the court, Ecclestone made the revelation about his daughter’s extravagant wedding.

“Let me tell you something. When my youngest daughter said she was getting married I thought as father of the bride I should pay for the wedding,” the Daily Mail quoted the racing mogul as saying.

“When it was suggested how much they would be spending on drinks I thought it was absurd. So I managed to upset my daughter and my wife.

“Only later did I learn that it cost in excess of £12 million which I did not find out about until later, paid by my wife, and I did not find out from her,” he added.