Bernie Ecclestone often attracted attention for his sometimes questionable views on women—now a story has emerged that shows the former Formula 1 boss in a different light.
Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is not exactly known as a pioneer of gender equality. But now a story has emerged that shows the 94-year-old billionaire in a completely different light – by protecting a well-known TV journalist several years ago.
“It’s a great story,” says Sky reporter Natalie Pinkham on Amanda Wakeley’s Style DNA podcast. The scene took place more than ten years ago at a Formula 1 race in South Korea: Pinkham was wearing a skirt that suddenly revealed more than she would have liked. “There was a gust of wind, and a photographer took the picture.”
However, the 48-year-old journalist was initially unaware of the controversial photo. “I only found out about it when it was about to be printed in [the British] The Sun,” said Pinkham. “I told Bernie Ecclestone about it.”
And the then Formula 1 boss made short work of it: “He called the photographer and said, ‘If that goes to press, your pass won’t work at the next Grand Prix. That’s no way to treat Natalie,’” reveals the journalist, who clearly hadn’t expected such a reaction from the Formula 1 boss.
Ecclestone “stands up for women in moments like this”
“I just thought, ‘Wow, he’s a feminist!’ Because, you know, Bernie loved the grid girls and all that, but he has [three] daughters, a wonderful wife—and in moments like that, he really stands up for women,” says Pinkham, finding positive words for the 94-year-old Brit.
Pinkham, who still regularly visits the Formula 1 paddock, is very conscious of her appearance. “You have to feel comfortable in the paddock, it has to be practical, but you also show a bit of your own style,” emphasizes the Sky reporter.
“For example, I love vests with wide-leg pants—I really like that, even if many men don’t,” says Pinkham, who intends to stick to her fashion philosophy: “We don’t dress for men. ‘Show us your legs,’ as in: No, thank you!”