Bernie Ecclestone has hailed Brazilian police after his mother-in-law was freed unhurt from kidnappers following a daring raid.
British newspapers report that the mastermind of the attempted $37 million ransom operation was a helicopter pilot who worked for the F1 supremo during the annual Brazilian grand prix.
85-year-old Ecclestone told the ’papers: "I’m very happy. The last few days haven’t been very good. This isn’t a good thing to happen to you and your family.
"The police officers we dealt with were fantastic," the F1 chief executive added. "They did an unbelievable job. It was absolutely first class."