F1 owner turned down $20bn buyout bid

Jan.23 (GMM) Liberty Media, Formula 1’s current commercial rights holder, turned down an offer to sell the sport for an impressive profit.

Citing sources, Bloomberg reports that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund looked at a potential $20 billion takeover, but Liberty Media “was not interested in selling”.

Saudi officials and US-based Liberty Media did not comment, but Saudi Arabia appears determined to keep adding to its impressive portfolio including a premier league football team and potentially the WWE wrestling.

Liberty Media bought Formula 1 with a $4.6 billion deal that settled in 2017, but tracking stock currently values the sport at well over $15 billion.

Saudi Arabia has a long-term deal to keep hosting a grand prix in Jeddah, although work on a more permanent venue in Qiddiya is underway.

Race boss Martin Whitaker confirmed reports that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia could even become Formula 1’s season-opening host from 2024.

“Ultimately any decision on the timings of the race next year is in the hands of Formula 1 and the FIA,” he said.

Steve Cole

Share
Published by
Steve Cole

Recent Posts

F2 driver says new fans don't understand racing

Jun.9 (GMM) Many new fans of top-level single seater racing do not understand "how motorsport…

7 months ago

Newey attracting talent to Aston Martin – de la Rosa

Jun.9 (GMM) The 'Adrian Newey effect' is already happening at Aston Martin, according to team…

7 months ago

Hamilton will 'maybe not' win eighth title

Jun.9 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton's hopes of an eighth world championship are slipping away. That's the…

7 months ago

Three F1 stars predict Piastri title in '25

Jun.9 (GMM) Three former Formula 1 drivers agree that Oscar Piastri has become the clear…

7 months ago

Red Bull 'opposed' to Briatore's budget cap idea

Jun.9 (GMM) Flavio Briatore thinks Formula 1 should include driver salaries in the budget cap.…

7 months ago

Vettel not only candidate to replace Marko

Jun.6 (GMM) Dr Helmut Marko says retired quadruple world champion Sebastian Vettel is not the…

7 months ago