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The end, when it came for Bernard Charles Ecclestone, was devastatingly swift.
In September last year, when Liberty Media made initial moves towards acquiring control over Formula 1's commercial rights, he spoke of a three-year deal to remain as chief executive officer of a championship he had dictatorially - if occasionally benevolently - ruled for 40 years. Now, just four months on, his role is restricted to that of figurehead.
The official designation is that of chairman emeritus, a title derived from Latin for "veteran soldier", and broadly defined as being "retired or honourably discharged from full-time work, but permitted to retain one's title on an honorary basis". Down within days of Liberty assuming control, then, but not totally out, albeit with a title that is little more than a sop...
