Tamara Ecclestone recalls how father Bernie, 89, told family he was expecting new baby

‘We had no idea what was going on,’ daughter of former F1 boss says

Tamara Ecclestone has recalled the moment her father, Bernie Ecclestone, told her he was to become a father for the fourth time just a few months before his 90th birthday.

Earlier this month, it was announced that the former Formula One chief executive was expecting a baby with his wife, Fabiana Flosi.

The British businessman has three daughters from his two previous marriages, Deborah, Tamara and Petra Ecclestone, who range in age from 65 to 31.

Speaking to Swiss newspaper Blick, he confirmed that he is expecting his first son this summer.

In interview with the Mail on Sunday, his second eldest daughter explained that her father informed the family of his news in January during a meal.

“We had no idea what was going on,” the 35-year-old said. “We just thought we were meeting Dad and Fabi for a meal. We were in the middle of eating when Fabiana told us.”

Ms Ecclestone explained that her husband, Jay Rutland, initially missed the 89-year-old's announcement.

“He was like, ‘Hold on a minute, what’s going on? Have I missed something?’”

In order to ensure his children were all aware of the news at the same time, the former F1 boss rang his youngest daughter, Los Angeles-based Petra Ecclestone, who recently gave birth to her fourth child.

“He wanted us all to know at the same time,” Ms Ecclestone stated. “It was all done very diplomatically.”

The model and socialite added that her daughter, six-year-old Sophia “Fifi” Ecclestone Rutland, guessed that Ms Flosi was pregnant before they were officially told.

“Fifi had said to Fabiana: ‘Have you got a baby in your tummy?’ Fabiana replied, saying: ‘Maybe one day, who knows what will happen.’

“It goes without saying that it’s an unusual family situation.”