Newly released US Department of Justice documents have revealed a series of connections between convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and prominent figures in Formula 1, including former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone, Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll, Alpine figure Flavio Briatore, former FIA president Jean Todt and ex-Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine.
The records, examined by Front Office Sports, include correspondence, delivery receipts, proposed meetings and references involving Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. However, the nature of the material varies considerably: some individuals communicated directly with Epstein, while others were mentioned by third parties. The documents do not, by themselves, establish wrongdoing by any of the F1 figures named.
Bernie Ecclestone and an attempted Silverstone takeover
Ecclestone, who led Formula One Group from 1987 until its sale to Liberty Media in 2017, appears in the documents in connection with both a package sent by Epstein and a proposed business venture involving Silverstone.
A FedEx receipt records Epstein sending Ecclestone a package weighing two pounds, valued at approximately $50, in July 2001.
More significantly, emails from February 2011 refer to discussions about a consortium seeking to acquire the British Grand Prix circuit. Epstein was leading the proposed group, which also involved businessman Todd Boehly, now known for his ownership interests in Chelsea and other major sports franchises.
An email from British politician Peter Mandelson indicated that he was due to meet Ecclestone to discuss the potential takeover. The consortium ultimately failed to secure Silverstone, which remains owned and operated by the British Racing Drivers’ Club.
The documents provide no evidence that Ecclestone was involved in Epstein’s criminal activities. His separate 2022 conviction for tax fraud is unrelated to the correspondence described here.
Lawrence Stroll’s name appears in several records
Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll is arguably the most significant current F1 figure identified in the material.
A FedEx receipt shows Epstein sent Stroll a package in January 2002, also valued at approximately $50. The following month, Stroll’s then-wife Claire-Anne emailed Maxwell in French, apologising for not visiting what appeared to be a reference to Epstein’s private island, Little St James.
Further correspondence from 2003 refers to an invitation for Stroll to attend a dinner hosted by Epstein in New York. One email described a gathering of 24 people, including Mandelson and Stroll, alongside five models.
However, an Aston Martin spokesperson told Front Office Sports that Stroll did not attend the dinner. That clarification is important: an invitation or reference in an email should not be presented as proof of attendance.
Stroll’s name appeared again in 2014, when Epstein asked his pilot whether the Canadian businessman was selling an aircraft he was considering purchasing. In January 2018, Epstein wrote to another individual that he had not seen Stroll for a very long time.
Briatore and Todt appear in separate correspondence
Flavio Briatore is referenced in records dating back to 2005, when he was leading Renault’s F1 operation. A message appears to indicate that he intended to visit New York and had left information for Epstein.
His name surfaced again in 2010. Emails referred to possible property sales involving Briatore and included a message stating that he wanted to speak with Epstein. In another exchange, Epstein referred to him using the phrase “itialin frined”.
An Alpine spokesperson declined to discuss the correspondence, telling Front Office Sports that it was not a matter for the team.
Former Ferrari chief and FIA president Jean Todt also appears in the files. A 2013 exchange between Epstein and French diplomat Olivier Colom included a reference to Todt, with Colom asking whether Epstein knew him.
More directly, Todt emailed Epstein in 2017, referring to their introduction through mutual acquaintance Terje Rød-Larsen. Epstein subsequently told Italian businessman Eduardo Teodorani that Todt had visited his home, describing him as “odd”.
The correspondence establishes contact, but provides no evidence of Todt’s involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities.
Eddie Irvine is the only former F1 driver identified
Former Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine is the only racing driver identified in this particular collection of F1-related references.
Two emails from September 2003 mention the Northern Irishman. In one, Maxwell asked an acquaintance whether he could help Irvine obtain tickets for a Dave Matthews concert, describing him as a former F1 driver.
In a separate exchange, businessman David Wassong asked Maxwell for contacts in Ireland. Maxwell responded by providing Irvine’s contact details.
These records demonstrate that Maxwell was facilitating introductions involving Irvine, but they do not establish that Irvine was involved in Epstein’s crimes.
What the documents mean for Formula 1
The disclosures illustrate how Epstein’s social and business network reached into the upper levels of international sport, including the commercial and administrative world of Formula 1.
The distinction between the individuals named, however, remains essential. The records contain different forms of contact and association, and should not be treated as evidence of shared knowledge, criminal involvement or wrongdoing.
For F1, the significance lies in the historical connections now documented between Epstein’s circle and people who held influential positions in the sport. The material raises questions about the breadth of those networks, but the documents must be assessed individually rather than used to imply guilt by association.
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