COLUMN: Why the Negativity Towards Liberty Media Needs to Stop

The new owners have made a lot of controversial changes so far, but they have F1's best interests in mind.

While it may be difficult to adjust to the look of the new 2018 cars with the addition of the halo and the new opening sequence Formula One now has, every change that has been introduced has been with the best of intentions. A whirlwind of negativity has been apparent over the last several weeks about how Liberty Media has changed everything about F1's DNA. 

2018 sees the introduction of the halo first and foremost, the most controversial of additions this year. Grid girls have been replaced with grid kids. And the world feed will see many new additions already previewed throughout the buildup to the Australian Grand Prix. But the wall of negativity and furore from fans tearing some of these new concepts apart has been sad to see.

Before going on, having the ability to comment and shape the future of the sport is hugely important and so far, Liberty has made much more of a conscious effort to engage with fans and seek their feedback than previously under Bernie Ecclestone or any period prior and for that, they should be commended. They have a vision for the sport that the brand should be a much bigger success, a global name with more recognition and admiration for not only the technical appeal and achievement of the sport but for the drivers too who should be seen to be competing at the pinnacle of their field.

So when there is an uproar over the changing of elements in the world feed to better fit the new rebrand that Formula One finds itself currently going through, it's laughable at times. So many have already decided that these new changes are awful without even seeing them in action. Deciding that something cannot be a success or an improvement just because it is brand new is an incredibly negative mindset to have and is far too apparent in Formula One currently.

I have to say the new logo has significantly grown on me since I first saw it, having seen it in context with correct integration, it fits much more than the old one. The new fonts have been a massive point of contention for many fans and many do have a point, it can be difficult to read at times. But it has been worked on since it was first introduced and I'm sure it will continue to be tweaked as the season progresses.

The new F1 official theme conducted by Brian Tyler was ripped apart by fans on social media. "It's too American", "Liberty is destroying the sport". But when I sat down to watch the first practice session of the year, watched and listened to the new introduction with many of the drivers shown and then an analysis of the circuit both long-term and brand-new fans could understand, it worked. And it worked brilliantly.

On a Sunday where the championship could be won or lost, that music will make the hairs on your neck stand on end. You will know that there is so much at stake and overall it fits what F1 should be seen as, the best drivers in the world going head to head in the best machinery in the world for ultimate glory. Like the heroes fans are so keen to idolise on Twitter, F1 drivers are the elite in motor racing and should be seen as heroes, so well done to Liberty Media for making them look that way.

The world feed during practice one in Australia looked fantastic. The new additions to the tower on the left of the screen continue to need work, driver numbers, for instance, were difficult to see at times but were a nice addition, making it easier for new fans to follow certain drivers. Further additions that were criticised include sponsor logos alongside specific replays. For example, the Rolex Super Slow-Mo replay was torn apart by social media.

I wonder if when the LG and Rolex logos were next to names and clocks on the world feed when Bernie was in control there was such an outcry? Or is it because the new owners can't possibly know what is good for Formula One, they're American!

While the engine and technical regulations could use some tweaks and changes, Liberty has been proactive in looking at how to further improve an already exciting product. The new changes might be difficult to adjust to and accept, but they are not being made to drive out existing fans of Formula One. They could help a newer generation of fans start to follow this fantastic sport. So stick with them, Liberty is making these changes with the best of intentions. But give them a chance. It's a rebrand, change has to happen. F1 needed the fresh air.