FOPA, the Formula 1 Promoters Association, has issued a statement strongly criticising a number of approaches taken by Liberty Media.
Since taking over in 2017, the sport’s bosses have been to looking to work with race organisers and sponsors to improve the experience for fans at races as well as the spectacle on track.
However, much like their efforts to agree a new Concorde Agreement with the teams, it appears the relationship isn’t solid with FOPA questioning several key commercial decisions.
“It is not in the long-term interest of the sport that fans lose free access to content and broadcasting,” FOPA’s statement read, pointing to the loss of free-to-air TV coverage in many countries.
“There is a lack of clarity on new initiatives in F1 and a lack of engagement with promoters on their implementation.
“And 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.”
The last sentence is a reference to Liberty’s apparent abandonment on an initial promise to protect F1’s historical races and the return to a critique of former CEO Bernie Ecclestone that big money was being prioritised over the value of a proposed event.
Currently, 2019 may see the last British GP at Silverstone, the future of the Italian GP at Monza remains uncertain and Hockenheim is going year-by-year with their ability to host a German GP.
This has led to fears those cornerstone races could be dropped in favour of Vietnam, which will join in 2020 and the Philippines, which has emerged as the next potential destination.
FOPA chairman and managing director of Silverstone, Stuart Pringle went further in separate comments to the Daily Mail, suggesting the race organisers had little faith in Liberty Media and issued a warning.
“Everyone is disgruntled. Liberty’s ideas are disjointed,” he said. “We have all been compliant and quiet hitherto, but we have great concerns about the future health of the sport under the people who run it now.
“Miami are seemingly getting a free deal. That has not gone down well with anyone, not least with the guys at Austin, Texas, who are working hard to make their race pay.
“If this continues, Formula One will be racing on second-rate circuits, if any at all.”
Also Read:
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- Liberty getting tough with top teams over 2021 budget cap introduction
- F1 weekends could be shortened & “unattractive” races dropped, says CEO Carey
FOPA did conclude their statement by offering an olive branch to CEO Chase Carey, however…
“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.”