F1 more popular than before under Liberty Media - Brawn

Liberty Media's director of motorsport Ross Brawn has insisted that Formula One is already more popular under their new ownership than it was under the previous regime and that more fans are going to Grand Prix races and watching on television.

The American-based organisation purchased Delta Topco, the company that controlled F1, back in 2016 and has come under criticism from some figures in the sport due to radical new proposed changes.

The two major alterations in the proposal by Liberty Media are an overhaul on engine regulations and a more even spread of revenue across the constructor teams. Brawn thinks that even with the disagreements over new rules, more fans are giving the sport attention than before, whilst admitting he has been happy that actual competitive races have happened as a result of their ownership so far.

“I think the sport’s turned a corner,” he told Channel 4 in Abu Dhabi. “Viewing figures are up, more fans are coming to races.”

“Fortunately we’ve had some racing this year, which has been the big thing. The racing is always core to what we do. But I’m happy with the year.”

Brawn has previously worked with Ferrari and Benetton and guided both teams to world championship victories, and has confessed that Liberty are now starting to take notice of the criticism coming their way, but remained hopeful that the upcoming proposals would benefit the sport.

“I think it’s getting tough now because we’re starting to look at some fundamental changes, but I’m taking a lot of satisfaction from what I can see of the plans for the future."