Ecclestone displeased by Liberty: 'No more balance between sport and show'

Formula 1's fan base in Germany is in drastic decline and former F1 owner Bernie Ecclestone knows why. The Briton lashes out hard at the current owners, Liberty Media, and says what he thinks is wrong with the current F1.

In Germany, F1 rights are owned by Sky, but the broadcaster experienced a low in 2022. The cost of the broadcasting rights is more expensive than ever, but the audience is walking away in Germany. On average, around a million people watched each race in Germany. For Germany that was once such a big F1 country, it is very disappointing.

'German fans don't want Formula Hollywood'

Ecclestone, in conversation with F1-insider.com, takes on the opportunity to reflect heavily on the company he sold the sport to at the time: "What does well in the United States does not do so well in Europe, and vice versa. Germany is missing a great driver, but that's not the only thing. I think the Germans in particular don't let themselves be put away so easily. F1 is being made more and more for the American market. It is becoming more and more like Formula Hollywood."

According to Ecclestone, the sport is falling victim to the show that Liberty Media makes of it: "The race in Las Vegas this year should be the crown jewel, but I think the Germans would like to see a sporting competition and not such a sham. The balance between show and sport doesn't fit anymore." The 92-year-old billionaire regrets that the media talks too much about the cars and almost never about the (possible) rough edges of the protagonists.