Race promoters hit out at Liberty Media

It’s probably fair to say that Liberty Media haven’t had a huge impact on Formula 1 yet, with the rule changes scheduled for 2021 their only real sweeping change, and now they have been criticised by F1’s race promoters.

Their complaint addresses the lack of free to access broadcasting of the sport. In the UK, F1 can only be watched live on Sky Sports, which demands a subscription, with highlights only later on Channel 4, a free to air channel.

This has been a worry for a while for a number of other sports, including cricket and golf, which has seen major competitions move from free to air channels to Sky or BT Sports.

A statement from the Formula One Promoters Association (FOPA) read: “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.

“New races should not be introduced to the detriment of existing events although the association is encouraged by the alternative business models being offered to prospective venues.

“As we enter a new season of the sport that we have promoted for many decades, the Promoters seek a more collaborative approach to the development of the championship and the opportunity to offer their experience and expertise in a spirit of partnership with Formula 1 and the FIA.”