Is F1 'more fun' under Liberty Media?

Is F1 'more fun' under Liberty Media?

Wednesday 8 August 2018 12:35

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Chase Carey says Formula 1 races have become "more fun" in 2018 under Liberty Media's watch. Although opposition remains to elements of the American owners' overhaul, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel's title fight this year has breathed new life into F1 race days.

Four years of Mercedes dominance had begun to turn fans away from F1 and Vettel seeing a title bid in 2017 fizzle out at the last was something of a tease.

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However, on-track action has not been in short supply this year, with a tense midfield battle playing out between uncertain scraps between Ferrari and Mercedes up top, with Red Bull often muscling in on things.

Natural overtaking remains an issue, although Liberty hopes simplified front wing designs in 2019 will aid this.

Carey says a cinematic approach has helped Liberty take F1 out of the comparative grey days of Bernie Ecclestone's reign.

"It's too early to celebrate," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "But it's interesting that in Germany some people came to me and said that it was more fun than it was two years ago.

"We are well on the way to improving the show on and off the track. We've seen some great races, and the fight at the top is very exciting.

"Formula 1 is all about the heroes who stimulate people's imaginations, just like in the movies.

"We have strong brands and great teams here, but ultimately it's the drivers who play the main role in this sport."