Menu
Leagues and Governing Bodies

Silverstone Managing Dir Patrick Allen Slams Formula One As 'Not Saleable'

Silverstone Managing Dir Patrick Allen "launched a stinging attack" on the state of F1, saying that the sport has turned into a procession which is "not saleable" and is a "s*** product," according to Christian Sylt for the London INDEPENDENT. Allen argued that a sell-out crowd of 140,000 "may have watched Lewis Hamilton cruise to victory at this year’s British Grand Prix -- but the manner of his victories at that and other races is unlikely to woo new fans." Allen said, "Fans don’t want to see a procession. As a promoter I can only promote what you give me and if that isn’t up to standard, people aren’t going to buy." He said that "he had already addressed his concerns" to F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone. Allen: "Months and months back I said it to Mr. E himself that I can’t sell tickets for a s*** product. I’ve said that people don’t come to watch guys looking at data screens. Fans want to see gladiators racing and fighting it out in a fair fight. ... I think it is criminal when we have got to that state of racing and that is not saleable. I think Bernie is as frustrated with it as we all are. ... In my opinion you should probably get flag-to-flag racing back into F1. You go out with a tank of fuel and once you’re out there you’re gone until the second flag drops. The Stirling Moss days. Do away with pit stops. Once you’re out there you’re on your own mate, and you’re not allowed to communicate at all. You go back to using your pit board." Allen’s attack "added to the uncertainty surrounding Silverstone and the future of the British Grand Prix," which is in doubt following the recent revelation that it is struggling to pay the £16M ($24.5M) hosting fee, despite managing to attract a sell-out crowd" (INDEPENDENT, 10/7). In London, Kevin Garside wrote there "is obvious self-interest in the rocket launched" by Allen, who has one more year left on a deal signed by Silverstone’s owners, the British Racing Drivers’ Club. Allen "signs off on a cheque for 16 million big ones for the privilege of hosting the British Grand Prix," a product that he describes as “shit” and “not saleable.” It "is not quite that, but the point is made." Predictability "is death to an endeavour that is supposed to be about deeds of derring-do and drama" (INDEPENDENT, 10/7).

SBJ Morning Buzzcast: March 18, 2024

Sports Business Awards nominees unveiled; NWSL's historic opening weekend and takeaways from CFP deal

ESPN’s Jay Bilas, BTN’s Meghan McKeown, and a deep dive into AppleTV+’s The Dynasty

On this week’s Sports Media Podcast from the New York Post and Sports Business Journal, ESPN’s Jay Bilas talks all things NCAA. Big Ten Network’s Meghan McKeown shares her insight into the Caitlin Clark craze. The Boston Globe’s Chad Finn chats all things Bean Town. And SBJ’s Xavier Hunter drops in to share his findings on how the NWSL is making a social media push.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SBJ I Factor: Nana-Yaw Asamoah

SBJ I Factor features an interview with AMB Sports and Entertainment Chief Commercial Office Nana-Yaw Asamoah. Asamoah, who moved over to AMBSE last year after 14 years at the NFL, talks with SBJ’s Ben Fischer about how his role model parents and older sisters pushed him to shrive, how the power of lifelong learning fuels successful people, and why AMBSE was an opportunity he could not pass up. Asamoah is 2021 SBJ Forty Under 40 honoree. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards.

Shareable URL copied to clipboard!

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Global/Issues/2015/10/09/Leagues-and-Governing-Bodies/F1-Allen.aspx

Sorry, something went wrong with the copy but here is the link for you.

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Global/Issues/2015/10/09/Leagues-and-Governing-Bodies/F1-Allen.aspx

CLOSE