Liberty Media turned off F1's German market

Mar.2 (GMM) Formula 1’s new “Hollywood recipe” is a turn-off for German fans, according to the sport’s former supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

Just days before the 2023 season begins in Bahrain, not only is Nico Hulkenberg now the only German driver, there are no more German races – and Bahrain will not even be on free-to-air television.

Bild newspaper reports that pay broadcaster Sky has not been able to reach a deal to fulfil contractual obligations so that at least four races are on TV free-to-air.

“It’s an open question,” a Sky Deutschland spokesman confirmed. “In any case, we have several options for showing individual races free-to-air.”

Ecclestone, 92, thinks the obvious problem is that the German public has “lost interest in Formula 1”.

“Germany has lost its importance as a Formula 1 country,” he told DPA news agency.

“We had such great races there in front of such a great crowd – but it’s all gone. I’m really sorry that Formula 1 lost Germany.”

One theory is that it is the fault of the race promoters at Hockenheim and the Nurburgring.

“Maybe they didn’t try hard enough,” Ecclestone said. “They probably ran small, nice, local races, and not international races in world championship style.”

However, he is also quoted by f1-insider.com as suggesting that his successors at Liberty Media – who ousted him as F1 CEO in 2017 – caused the demise.

“What used to be a hit in the USA was not so well received in Europe,” said Ecclestone. “And vice versa.

“Germany is missing a star driver, but that’s not the only reason. I don’t think the Germans are fools and Formula 1 is increasingly being designed for the US market. It’s more and more of a Hollywood recipe.

“The race in Las Vegas this year is the crowning glory, but I think the Germans want to see a sporting competition, not a sham. The balance between show and sport just doesn’t work anymore.”

Steve Cole

Share
Published by
Steve Cole

Recent Posts

Hulkenberg still a 'silly season' player – Schumacher

Jun.10 (GMM)  Nico Hulkenberg could find himself with a starring role in a future round…

4 months ago

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…

4 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…

4 months ago

Stroll in 'good condition' for Canadian GP

Jun.9 (GMM) Lance Stroll looks set to return to the wheel of his Aston Martin…

4 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…

4 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…

4 months ago