Paddy McNally, F1 Hospitality Pioneer, Dies at 88

Patrick Sean "Paddy" McNally, the former journalist who became a key figure in Formula 1 by founding Allsport Management and creating the Paddock Club, died on July 22, 2026 at his home in Sevenhampton, Wiltshire, England, aged 88. His work turned race‑weekend hospitality into a major revenue stream, attracting global brands and celebrities to Grand Prix events.

Following his death, biographer Andrew Lownie told Jeremy Kyle that contrary to earlier reports, McNally is not expected to leave any portion of his estimated £600 million fortune to his former partner Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. Lownie said McNally had decided the money should not be linked to the "tainted" reputation of a royal figure, and therefore no inheritance to Ferguson is anticipated.