FIA President Max Mosley's son found dead

The son of the head of Formula 1's governing body, Max Mosley, has been found dead from a suspected drugs overdose in his West London home.

Alexander Mosley, an esteemed 39-year-old economist who it is understood shared a close relationship with his father, was found shortly after 4pm yesterday (Tuesday) at his Notting Hill address by a relative. Paramedics were swiftly called but were unable to revive him.

The death is not being treated as suspicious, but there has been no formal identification until next of kin have been informed. Alexander Mosley was last seen alive on Friday (1 May).

"We were called at 16:20pm on Tuesday to reports of a male found dead at a property in W11," a Scotland Yard spokesman is quoted as having said by The Times. "He was pronounced dead at the scene. The man is in his late thirties.

"We believe we know the identity of the deceased. Next of kin are being informed and a post mortem will take place in due course. The coroner's office has been informed."

'The FIA extends sincere condolences to the Mosley family on the sad news of the death of Alexander Mosley,' read a statement released by F1's governing body. 'Our thoughts are with Alexander's family and friends, and we would request that the media respect the Mosley family's privacy at this difficult time.'

'The British Racing Drivers' Club extends its deepest sympathies to club member Max Mosley and his family, following the tragic news of the death of his son, Alexander,' added a statement from the BRDC.

FIA President Mosley and wife Jean had two sons - Alexander and Patrick, 37 - and the 68-year-old has now cancelled his planned trip to Barcelona for this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix around the Circuit de Catalunya.

"I'm devastated," former team owner turned BBC F1 pundit Eddie Jordan told the Daily Mail. "As a parent it is the very last thing you ever, ever want to receive a phone call about."