Motorsport magnate Paddy McNally, previously associated with Sarah Ferguson, has passed away shortly after his son’s death. The 88-year-old former racing driver, renowned for managing corporate hospitality at Formula One events, died earlier this week.
Ferguson, who dated McNally in the early 1980s and later married Prince Andrew, maintained a close friendship with him, referring to him as a mentor figure. McNally’s demise follows the sudden passing of his son, Sean, in April in the Scottish Highlands.
In his final days, McNally provided refuge to Ferguson at his Swiss ski chalet as she sought solace after the release of the Epstein files. Reportedly, McNally always supported Ferguson throughout the years, offering her a safe haven at his Verbier residence.
Born in Kent in 1937 and raised in Ireland, McNally transitioned from a motoring journalist to a successful entrepreneur, founding the profitable Allsport company specializing in Formula One corporate hospitality. His business ventures led to substantial wealth, with a diverse property portfolio that included properties like Sevenhampton Place in Wiltshire, once owned by Ian Fleming.
Married in 1967, McNally’s wife, Ann, passed away in 1980. He later began a relationship with Ferguson, who was significantly younger. Despite ending their three-year romance in 1985, Ferguson and McNally remained close friends until his passing.
Following the sale of his Allsport company for $350 million in 2006, McNally was ranked 240th on the Sunday Times Rich List. The FIA expressed deep sorrow over McNally’s death, acknowledging his vital role in Formula One’s commercial growth alongside Bernie Ecclestone.
Meanwhile, Ferguson has maintained a low profile since the Epstein files’ release and was last seen at a luxurious chalet in the Alps. The scrutiny surrounding Epstein has also impacted Prince Andrew, leading to the loss of royal titles and honors for Ferguson due to her associations with Epstein.
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