Paddy McNally, a pivotal figure in the development of Formula 1 hospitality and a man who amassed a fortune estimated at £600 million, has died at the age of 88. McNally maintained a close, decades-long friendship with Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, and speculation is rife that he may have left her a substantial inheritance.
McNally, once described as "The Toad" for his appearance but known for his business acumen, transitioned from a failed racing driver to a pioneer in F1's corporate hospitality. He founded Allsport Management, creating exclusive trackside suites known as "The Paddock Club," which became a lucrative venture by offering wealthy businessmen access to the sport's glamorous world. His company was sold in 2006 for £262 million, and he retired in 2011.
Sarah Ferguson, then an unknown outside the F1 circuit, met McNally in the early 1980s when she worked as a chalet girl in Verbier, Switzerland. McNally, 22 years her senior and separated from his first wife, hired Ferguson to nanny his sons. Their relationship evolved into a romantic one, and Ferguson, who was from an upper-class background, was described as a "Sloane Ranger" who brought her aristocratic friends into McNally's burgeoning business circle.
Their friendship endured through Ferguson's marriage and divorce from Prince Andrew, her subsequent financial difficulties, and public scandals. Ferguson reportedly stayed at McNally's Swiss chalet, nicknamed "Cocaine Castle" for the parties he hosted, in recent months after leaving Royal Lodge. Associates suggest McNally remained fiercely loyal to Ferguson, viewing her as a "father figure" and "mentor" who taught her much about life.
While McNally never remarried after his first wife's death from cancer in 1980, he maintained a close bond with Ferguson. Friends suggest that he was shrewd and, if he left her money, it would likely be in a trust with a monthly income rather than a lump sum, which they believe she would quickly spend. Despite their past romantic involvement, McNally had a reputation for womanizing, and Ferguson reportedly gave him an ultimatum in 1985 to marry her, which he did not accept. She subsequently met Prince Andrew at a party that same year.
McNally's wealth provided a form of financial buffer for Ferguson over the years. He reportedly purchased Ian Fleming's former home, Sevenhampton Place, for £40 million, which served as a refuge for Ferguson. He also owned a villa in the South of France and ski chalets in Verbier. The princesses Beatrice and Eugenie reportedly enjoyed ski holidays and received gifts from McNally.
McNally's elder son, Sean, died earlier this year. McNally had been in declining health for several years. His will is expected to become public, though his fortune is reportedly held in private Swiss trusts. Close friends and associates believe that McNally intended to ensure Ferguson was provided for, stating that they were in each other's lives for longer than either had been married to other spouses.