Bernie Ecclestone: My wife’s leaving me? I didn’t know

Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone today said he was unaware his wife was planning to divorce him.

Mystery: Bernie and Slavica Ecclestone

The billionaire, 78, expressed surprise at the news that his wife of 24 years, former model Slavica, had initiated proceedings in what could be one of the biggest settlements in legal history. Mrs Ecclestone, 50, released a statement yesterday through PR agency Borkowski, saying she has filed for divorce.

However, when contacted by reporters Ecclestone said: "Really? Oh... we will see. I didn't even know she had a PR company. You hear of things — I must find out."

Mr Ecclestone claimed his wife had moved out of their £10 m Chelsea home because of the noise from builders next door.

Mrs Ecclestone is believed to have moved out while her husband was watching Lewis Hamilton win the F1 World Championship in Brazil. Her new home is said to be a flat owned by her daughter Petra's boyfriend.

A friend of Mrs Ecclestone said: "He did know. I think there is a slight case of trying to position himself as a wounded party." Mr Ecclestone is said to be worth £2.4bn.