The Formula One boss, who denies he did anything illegal, was accused of bribery and incitement to breach of trust. The charges followed the conviction of a German banker who was convicted for corruption after receiving payments from Mr Ecclestone in connection with the sale of  Formula One  to CVC Capital Partners eight years ago.

Indictment details

According to Associated Press, the indictment was dated 10th May and has since been translated into English and delivered to Mr Ecclestone and his lawyers. Mr Ecclestone told AP that, whilst he had yet to read it, the lawyers had accepted the indictment and were dealing with it. ‘It means they have to reply to the indictment, which they are strenuously doing.’

Legal Team

Mr Thomas, a  white collar crime expert, who is described in the Chambers Directory as ‘fantastic’ and continually referred to by peers as ‘one of the standout defence lawyers in Germany,'  will work with business lawyer Dr Norbert Scharf of German law firm Grub Brugger on the case. The Formula One boss said yesterday that the indictment, which was served yesterday, did not come as a surprise, FT reports.The lawyers have until mid- August to respond to the claims.