Of all the sports in the world, it is hard to imagine one that is more under pressure from the green lobby on the one hand, and the economic downturn on the other. Yet Bernie Ecclestone, an implacable 78-year-old with Andy Warhol-style grey hair and round glasses – and the man who runs Formula One motor racing – is as bullish and relaxed as ever.

Mr Ecclestone’s fabled iron grip as the head of Delta Topco, F1’s ultimate holding company, could be just what the gas-guzzling sport needs.