Paddy McNally's death could trigger inheritance for Sarah Ferguson
Formula 1 entrepreneur Paddy McNally died aged 88 on 22 July 2026 after a prolonged illness, two months after the sudden death of his son Sean. McNally, who founded Allsport Management and later sold the firm, was among the wealthiest figures in Britain, with a net worth approaching US $800 million.
He maintained a decades‑long friendship with former Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson. During her recent dispute with the royal family, Ferguson was given shelter in McNally’s £15 million Swiss chalet in Verbier. Sources say she could be in line to inherit a portion of his fortune or property, though no official statement has been released by either party.
The former couple dated from 1982 to 1985, and after their split they remained close, with Ferguson periodically staying at his Swiss residences. McNally’s death marks the end of a long personal and business relationship that linked the world of Formula 1 with the British royal family.