Saudi Arabian group eyes F1 takeover from Americans?
Sep.13 - A group from Saudi Arabia is reportedly poised to buy Formula 1's commercial rights from Liberty Media.
"There could be even more GPs in the Asian region soon," revealed veteran F1 journalist Roger Benoit, writing for the Swiss newspaper Blick.
"Why? Because the Saudis will soon take over Formula 1 from Liberty."
He said Formula 1 "hasn't evolved much" since Liberty took over and ousted the sport's former supremo Bernie Ecclestone in 2017.
"As expected, Chase Carey ceded his chief post. The Americans seem to have lost interest in their multi-billion dollar toy.
"Ironically, it's the Saudis who are now at the door with their suitcases for a takeover. The ten European based teams and many race organisers now need to be careful.
"Qatar, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia send their regards," Benoit quipped.
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Lets hope so. No more American gimmicks such as 10 past the hour start times, sprint qual, fastest lap points, safety cars to bunch the cars up when not necessary, 140 races a season etc
Seriously, '10 past the hour' chaps your behind?
Overworked f1 crews will naturally want less F1. The rest of us just watch it and pay for it to happen.
It should be like the world cup. One race every 4 years to decide the F1 world champion.
Interesting if true. This came so suddenly I can't decide for now what I'd feel about such commercial rights holder change.
If the Brits could get their act together and put forth another Bernie we wouldn't have this challenge, but you guys prefer to queue up, whine and do nothing. Ah yes, the battle in the sand. There go the grid girls.
May i suggest Lord Dennis of Bracknell, I mean we wouldnt understand anything he said esp regarding driver penalties (so no difference then ) , but it might be a lot more fun, I hear hes got a few hours a week to spare and a few quid in the bank .
A great pity the notable Brit sir Jimmy saville isn't available to lend a hand.thered be stiff penalties dished out then
What about prince Edward would be available.at least he would bring the grid girls back.
I mean Woking, ala ron dennis in case anyone.... is confused
Presumably the purchaser would be Aramco or a private equity division of them. There’s a lot to be said for the merits of investing. Big picture is being able to influence the direction of the engine. Thankfully they have a big vested interest in the advancement of ICEs vs. electric. Plus they have a ton of cash and a national interest in diversifying their economy from oil exports.
As aramco is a public Co ,then it will be bought through them direct id have thought, liberty though has only had it a few yrs, but as you Arabs have a lot of money
It’s more likely a sovereign wealth fund rather than the public company directly for an investment of this type. As for Liberty's ownership duration, it’s coming up on 5 years which is within PE’s investment holding window. CVC went beyond their typical 5 year window.
Then we will agree to disagree, personally id prefer it if they didn't buy it , more sand races would be boring
The debacle at Spa should show Liberty doesn’t know how to run and manage F1. Bring back Bernie
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