Petra Ecclestone's Ex Says Family's Connection To Putin Could Be Dangerous For Kids

'Formula 1' legend Bernie Ecclestone's connection to Vladimir Putin is dangerous for his grandchildren, according to his daughter's ex-husband.

According to new legal documents, obtained by The Blast, James Stunt -- who is currently involved in a nasty custody war with Bernie's daughter Petra Ecclestone -- says his three children's names should NOT be changed to Eccelstone because of the family's connection to the hated Russian president.

In the filing, Stunt is objecting to a request made by Petra to change their children's name based on a host of reasons including Stunt's own run-ins with the law.

Shockingly, James alleges "I am now informed that Bernie, who had has had direct dealings with both Roman Abramovich and Vladimir Putin has recently supported Putin's invasion of Ukraine. I am concerned that due to Bernie's recent remarks the "Ecclestone" name has been tarnished and could  lead to danger for my children considering how globally hated Vladimir Putin and all his associates are currently."

As you know, Bernie Ecclestone is a multi-billionaire who is largely known as the king of Formula One Racing. He is the former chief executive of the Formula One Group.

At this point, Stunt claims his children -- along with Petra Ecclestone -- are financially supported by Bernie, and he is having trouble getting access and visitation. Plus, he says that the family has already started calling the kids by their maternal last name.

"I recently became aware that even before the issuance of any orders regarding the children's names, Petitioner has recently begun using the Ecclestone last name for them without my permission flyers provided during a lavish birthday party she held for Lavinia. A video of this party and the flyers were posted on Instagram," he says in the filing.

Interestingly, Stunt admits that he is suffering from his own personal setbacks including a pending criminal case involving money laundering. In the same documents, Stunt discusses the death of his brother and his own personal drug use.

"My 37-year old brother passed away suddenly. Shortly thereafter, while Petitioner and I were in Los Angeles, Stunt and Co. were raided by the police regarding an investigation of money laundering," he writes, adding, "I admit that after these incidents I experienced significant stress and began self-medicating using cocaine. After the initial arrest of my business partners, the police continued to investigate my involvement in that matter."

He continued, "Both (Petra) and I are considered celebrities in the UK, and the press regularly reports about us, our private lives, and our children. I object to (Petra's) name change request for our minor children as I believe changing their names would not be in their best interests and will only further alienate them from me."

He concludes, "I have and continue to pursue ongoing relations with my children and wish to have regular communications with them. Based on (Petra's) conduct, I have been denied such communications and she has sought to alienate the children from me. Based on the foregoing reasons, I do not agree with her request for a name change."

The decision is now up to a judge.