Former motor sport boss Max Mosley died of a gunshot wound in the bedroom of his London home last May after being told his cancer was terminal, an inquest heard on Tuesday.
His family had said at the time that the 81-year-old, who was one of the most influential figures in F1 history, died after a long battle with cancer.
British media said the inquest at Westminster Coroner's Court revealed Mosley had been informed he had only weeks to live.
A neighbour and his housekeeper summoned the emergency services after finding a note on his bedroom door saying "do not enter, call the police.