0
Circuit of the Americas chairman Bobby Epstein believes that new F1 owners Liberty Media should own some of the tracks that appear on the calendar throughout the year.
When Liberty Media completed the acquisition of Formula 1 at the start of 2017, one of their primary goals was to make sure that tracks did not become financially burdened and fall off the calendar.
Mercedes Threatens Legal Action as Engine War Erupts Before Season Start
Report: Ferrari Finally Tailoring Development to Lewis Hamilton
In recent years, fan favourites such as Italy and Great Britain have had doubt lingering over their futures, with Germany a prime example of what can happen to an event. Germany had a contract to host the Grand Prix at Hockenheim one year and Nurburgring the next, but financial complications have seen Nurburgring dropped from the calendar, with Hockenheim's future in danger.
Epstein believes that if Liberty plans to make races profitable, they should take matters into their own hands and purchase a number of tracks to secure their futures.
"I do think it makes a lot of sense for them to own some circuits. It would have to be part of any long-term strategy for them," Epstein said. "I see a lot of logic and business reasons for them to own some circuits. I think all of the circuits struggle under the current environment.
"If they change it and help the circuits survive, are they better off owning the circuits than making concessions? Are they actually giving up profitability by not owning the circuits? If [the circuits] are going to make money from an F1 race, then F1 might as well own that profit."
Fergal Walsh
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
C. Sainz jr
Replies (0)
Login to reply