Playboy F1 star with £92million net worth sold his helicopter after losing it twice

Eddie Irvine enjoyed a sensational life on and off the Formula One track, including making a big decision regarding his personal helicopter after misplacing it not once, but twice

Eddie Irvine lived a life of unapologetic luxury away from the Formula One circuit.

The former Ferrari and Jordan driver spent nine years in the top tier of motorsport from 1993 to 2002, but it was his pre-F1 days that laid the foundation for his wealth. By the age of 27, Irvine had already amassed a self-made fortune thanks to savvy property investments, and he currently owns a staggering 40 properties worldwide.

His unapologetic enjoyment of his wealth often made him a divisive figure among fellow drivers and fans. Despite the intense dedication required to succeed in F1, Irvine showed a more carefree attitude towards his personal helicopter. Remarkably, he decided to sell the aircraft after misplacing it twice.

“I lost it twice,” Irvine previously revealed to Mirror Sport. “I parked it and then couldn’t remember where. Once, I parked it in a friend’s garden and then forgot where she lived. I just drove around until I spotted the rotor blades, which is easier than finding a car in an NCP car park.”

Following his retirement from F1 in 2002, Irvine had already amassed a significant fortune, estimated to be around £160million, according to the 2006 Sunday Times Rich List via Belfast Live. Irvine’s fortune has reportedly shrunk to £92million, as per Celebrity Net Worth, a fact that might cross his mind during his next game of hide and seek with a chopper.

Irvine, hailing from County Down, isn’t just impressive in an F1 car – he’s also adept at piloting helicopters, a skill that surely adds a zest to his grand living. “I love the parties, the boat, the plane, getting into nightclubs for free, getting tables at restaurants without having to queue, driving for Ferrari and getting the best-looking girls,” he famously quipped about his luxurious lifestyle.

He also formed ‘Eddie Irvine Sports’ – an indoor sporting facility including snooker, pool, karting, paintballing, and football activities. His savvy business sense shines through when he talks shop, yet he confesses to not pinching pennies when out having a ball with mates. “I don’t waste money,” he declared firmly.

“If I can do something on the cheap, then I will. But I’ll go to a nightclub and if it’s £250 for a bottle of vodka, I’ll pay. I’m not going to sit there among my mates who can’t afford it, moaning about the price.”