Representatives of 16 grands prix events met to discuss the situation ahead of the season starting in MarchGETTY IMAGES
A majority of F1's promoters association issued a statement "expressing concern about how the sport is being run by owners Liberty Media," according to Alan Baldwin of REUTERS. The Formula One Promoters' Association yesterday said that representatives of 16 grands prix events had "met in London to discuss the situation ahead of the 21-race season starting in Australia in March." FOPA: "It is not in the long term interest of the sport that fans lose free access to content and broadcasting. ... There is a lack of clarity on new initiatives in F1 and a lack of engagement with promoters on their implementation." The statement went on to say new races "should not be introduced to the detriment of existing events." FOPA said members wanted a "more collaborative approach" as well as the opportunity to "offer their experience and expertise in a spirit of partnership with Formula One and the (governing body)." While there are no new races in '19, Vietnam is "lined up for a race" in Hanoi from '20 while a possible Miami Grand Prix "remains on the cards as a second U.S. round with Austin" (REUTERS, 1/28).
COULD LIBERTY WALK AWAY? JOHNWALLSTREET.com cites sources as saying that Liberty is "exploring scenarios that would decrease their stake in the international racing circuit," less than 3 years after it acquired F1. The company is reportedly weighing "everything from an exit to the introduction of new equity partners." One name to "keep an eye on" is former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone, who has the "capital, know-how and can likely reclaim the asset back for a fraction" of the $8B he sold it for (JOHNWALLSTREET.com, 1/27).
