Formula 1 "could undergo its biggest facelift in years" with U.S.-based Liberty Media in "advanced talks to take control of the sport," according to Matt Maltby of the London DAILY MAIL. Discussions "are believed to be at an advanced stage." What does this mean "for F1 and its fans?" The £6.5B ($8.7B) deal with Liberty Media, which has stakes in several sport companies including the MLB Atlanta Braves, would "finally see a change of ownership" after years of rumors. American media mogul John Malone is poised to become the sport's new custodian "despite interest" from broadcaster Sky, Paris St. Germain owner Qatar Sports Investments and NFL Miami Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross. German magazine Auto Motor und Sport reported that the first of two installments "were expected to be paid on Tuesday." Liberty Media declined to comment. A sale would "end years of speculation" and rumors about a potential change of ownership. Should the takeover "go through as expected," F1 would receive "the shake-up many believe it is in desperate need of." With a "technical shake-up" in F1 happening for the '17 season, it "promises to be" a new look to the sport. And with "new ownership, too, the sport is set for a huge facelift." A takeover by a media and entertainment group, "and the injection of fresh ideas," could see the sport attract a new audience and "bring the X-Factor back to F1" (DAILY MAIL, 9/6).
