Former model Slavica Ecclestone, who was born in Croatia and was formerly married to Formula One mogul Bernie Ecclestone, has amassed a substantial fortune of her own. She is among the wealthiest women in the United Kingdom, with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion as of 2025. Her approximately $1 billion divorce settlement, as well as astute real estate and international business investments, account for a large portion of her wealth. Slavica maintains a low profile but is still a significant player in affluent circles, demonstrating that her money and clout go well beyond her well-publicized marriage.
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Who Was Slavica Ecclestone’s Husband?
Bernie Ecclestone, a prominent player in racing and the former CEO of Formula One Group, was married to Slavica Ecclestone. Before being divorced in 2009, the pair, who were married in 1985, were together for 23 years. During his tenure, Bernie, who is credited with turning Formula One into a worldwide empire, accumulated billions of dollars. Their marriage garnered international notice despite their disparate heights and backgrounds—Benedict was a British business magnate, and Slavica was a Croatian model. Their marriage ended with one of the most costly divorce settlements in history—reportedly exceeding $1 billion—and produced two kids.
Slavica Ecclestone’s Daughters: Meet Tamara and Petra
Tamara and Petra Ecclestone are the two daughters of Slavica Ecclestone and Bernie Ecclestone, a Formula One billionaire. Both ladies were raised in the public eye and are well-known for their opulent lifestyles, business endeavours, and media appearances. Petra has gained notoriety for her real estate transactions and fashion pursuits, while Tamara, the older, is a model, TV personality, and businesswoman. The sisters have followed their own projects and professions in spite of their affluence. Slavica has remained close to both daughters and continues to help them in both their personal and public life.
A Career in Fashion: From Croatia to the Catwalk
European modelling agencies were immediately drawn to Slavica’s impressive presence, since she stood more over six feet tall. In the 1970s and 1980s, she started working with well-known fashion brands in France and Italy, appearing on the catwalks for Armani, Dior, and Valentino. She stood out at a time of high-end fashion glamour and supermodels because to her exquisite looks and statuesque form.
Slavica flourished in the competitive modelling field in spite of linguistic and cultural hurdles, since she apparently didn’t speak English when she first met Bernie. In addition to making a reputation for herself, she skilfully negotiated the intricate network of the European fashion elite.
Meeting Bernie Ecclestone: A Power Couple
At a promotional event in 1982, Slavica got to know Bernie Ecclestone. He was a British motorsport mogul and billionaire, much older and almost a foot shorter, so it didn’t seem conceivable that they would meet. Despite her lack of interest in Formula One at the time, she was a towering, fiercely independent model. However, chemistry had its way.
They were one of the most talked-about couples in the fashion and racing industries after being married in 1985. Slavica stayed mostly out of the public eye during their 23-year marriage, preferring to raise their two daughters, Tamara and Petra Ecclestone, and discreetly oversee family business ventures.
The Billion-Dollar Divorce
One of the most costly divorce settlements in British history was reached in 2009 between Slavica and Bernie Ecclestone; it was allegedly valued at $1.2 billion. The unexpected turn? Because of the way their financial holdings were put up, Slavica wasn’t only the beneficiary; she had been giving Bernie an allowance for years.
A large portion of the Ecclestone family’s wealth was transferred into offshore trusts in Slavica’s name in order to lower tax obligations. Long before the marriage ended, this made her the official controller of an enormous fortune, and the divorce only formalised an already existing arrangement.
Consequently, Slavica became not only affluent but also among the wealthiest women in the United Kingdom.
Life After Divorce: Quiet Success
In contrast to many well-known ex-spouses, Slavica Ecclestone avoided the limelight following her split. She has kept a modest profile in public, making prudent investments and putting her family first. Although the specifics are kept confidential, she is involved in several financial and real estate endeavours and has homes in London, Gstaad (Switzerland), and Los Angeles.
Both Tamara and Petra, her children, have adopted the opulent lifestyle, complete with multimillion-dollar houses, fashion endeavours, and extravagant weddings. Behind the scenes, however, Slavica is frequently given credit for teaching them focus and discipline.
Slavica has been out of the modelling industry for decades, but she is still well-known in affluent social circles. She is evidence that financial power may be developed discreetly, intelligently, and with dignity; it is not always associated with dramatic headlines.
Slavica Ecclestone: From Runway to Billionaire Status
From a Yugoslavian fashion model to a multibillionaire entrepreneur, Slavica Ecclestone’s path is an inspiring tale of self-reliance, tenacity, and foresight. She handled her fortune with calm composure following her well-publicized divorce from Bernie Ecclestone, staying out of the spotlight while making wise investments. Her legacy is not simply related to her marriage but to her capacity to keep and develop her money. She now serves as a representation of elegance and financial savvy, demonstrating that even greater personal and financial success may come after marriage and celebrity.
