Race organisers for the Russian and Mexico Grand Prix’s have distanced themselves from a FOPA statement criticising Liberty Media.
On Tuesday, the F1 Promoters Association voiced concerns over on several issues, including the shift away from free-to-air TV coverage in many countries, apparent uncertainty over future changes to the sport and plans to expand the calendar, possibly at the expense of more traditional races.
However, five current events, Russia, Japan, Monaco, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi are not included in that group and the head of the Sochi GP, Sergey Vorobyev, has offered his support to the American leadership.
“The statement is fairly toothless because all the issues indicated there, in this statement, they are being resolved one way or another in the current format of communication with Liberty,” he said to Motorsport.com.
“I do not share the position of the current chairman of FOPA, Stuart Pringle. In his comments – public comments for the media – he has very frequently made personal criticisms of Liberty’s leadership and our whole common sport.
“I don’t believe this approach to be constructive and therefore we, along with several other Grands Prix – and I am sure there will be more of us in the coming days, weeks and months – are not members of FOPA.”
Pringle, who Vorobyev mentioned in his comments, is also the managing director at Silverstone, the host circuit of the British GP which is facing the prospect of leaving F1 after 2019 if a new race contract can’t be agreed.
It is that potential conflict which the Russian likely believes could be the reasoning for his remarks and may not represent all the views of those within FOPA.
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That line of thought has now been backed up by Mexico GP promoters, who are members, also speaking out against the statement.
“The F1 Gran Premio de Mexico promoters want to express their sympathy with the promoters from other countries, understanding that each country and race is different,” their comments began.
“In addition, the Mexican Grand Prix’s promoters welcome the ongoing collaboration and good relationships with the rest of the promoters.
“However, F1 Gran Premio de Mexico did not participate in the said meeting and appreciate the work that the new owners of F1 are doing to understand the promoters’ requirements and concerns, as well as those from the fans.
“The Mexican Grand Prix’s promoters recognise that the new administration of F1 has listened and been sensitive to their concerns, with both parties working very closely together,” they continued. “As a result, they do not agree with what was released by the Formula One Promoters’ Association on their behalf.
“The Mexican promoters and F1 continue the negotiations regarding the renewal of the F1 Gran Premio de Mexico contract in private.”