Ecclestone out, Brawn in as Liberty take charge
Bernie Ecclestone’s reign at the top of Formula 1 ended on Monday as Liberty Media introduced their new management team.
The man responsible for creating the global behemoth that is F1, Ecclestone’s exit was somewhat bemusing as he told Germany’s Auto Sport und Motor he had been “deposed” by Chase Carey, who has taken over as chief executive after a stint as chairman since September.
For some, the end of the 86-year-old’s tenure is a welcome one and believe this moment will now mark a big opportunity for the sport to modernise and make up for a lack of innovation, at least in a business sense.
However, almost contrary to the word he used to describe his departure, the Briton was reflective in comments included by Liberty in the statement, quoted by Sky Sports, confirming the change at the top.
“I’m proud of the business that I built over the last 40 years and all that I have achieved with Formula 1, and would like to thank all of the promoters, teams, sponsors and television companies that I have worked with,” he said.
“I’m very pleased that the business has been acquired by Liberty and that it intends to invest in the future of F1. I am sure that Chase will execute his role in a way that will benefit the sport.”
To show the scale of the changes F1’s new owners are implementing, it is taking a team of three to replace Ecclestone, who will remain part of the board carrying the title of ‘chairman emeritus’.
Twitter: The faces of Liberty Media’s Formula One: Bratches, Carey, Brawn. https://t.co/SzBASwqYPX (@natesaundESPNF1)
Carey has made the aforementioned move to CEO with Sean Bratches also making the widely rumoured move becoming the first managing director of commercial relations.
The appointment most F1 fans will be most excited about, however, is the return of Ross Brawn as managing director of motorsport.
One of the most respected men in the paddock in the last 25 years, Brawn achieved success alongside Michael Schumacher at Benetton and Ferrari before salvaging the remains of Honda in late 2008 and forming his own Brawn GP team that claimed both championships in 2009.
His last role was as team boss of Mercedes, who bought his team after 2009, and some see his stint with the team as instrumental in laying the foundations for the success they have enjoyed since 2014, even if Brawn himself had left the year before.
A role within the Liberty takeover had been hinted at last year, and his experience and knowledge are going to be pivotal in deciding how the American company, now named the Formula One Group approaches their task of running the sport.
Brawn described returning to F1 as “fantastic” and is keen to make the most of this opportunity.
“I’ve enjoyed consulting with Liberty Media these last few months and I’m looking forward to working with Chase [Carey], Sean and the rest of the Formula 1 team to help the evolution of the sport,” he said.
“We have an almost unprecedented opportunity to work together with the teams and promoters for a better F1 for them and, most importantly, for the fans.”
In his statement, Carey recognised the role Ecclestone had played in creating the show we know today, but in welcoming back Brawn, he spoke of the importance he will play in shaping the future direction of F1.
“In his 40 years in the sport, he’s brought his magic touch to every team with which he has worked,’ Carey said.
“[Brawn] has an almost unparalleled technical knowledge, experience and relationships, and I have already benefited greatly from his advice and expertise.”