Formula 1 race organisers express concerns over future of the sport

Formula 1’s race organisers have expressed concerns over the future of the sport and demanded a more open approach from its owners.

The F1 Promoters’ Association (FOPA), which represents 16 of the 21 races on the calendar, says it wants “a more collaborative approach from F1”.

The FOPA discussed its concerns with F1 at a meeting in London on Tuesday.

Stuart Pringle, chairman of FOPA, said: “There is every indication the message has been received.”

Pringle is managing director of British Grand Prix venue Silverstone.

The circuits are worried about the loss of free-to-air television coverage, a lack of clarity over rules and the methods F1 is using to attract new races.

And they feel that their voice has been ignored so far by the owners of F1, the US group Liberty Media, which took over the sport in January 2017.

Pringle added: “We were frustrated that we felt we had no option but to take this sort of action. But actually we have had a very positive day.

“We believe our concerns will be looked at and we as a group of promoters do recognise that ultimately we are all striving for the same thing – a healthy sport. We want to work in a meaningful way to achieve that so we will work collaboratively with them going forward.”

Pringle had earlier described Liberty’s approach as “disjointed” and said the circuits had “great concerns about the future health of the sport under the people who run it now”.

The circuits’ intervention comes at a delicate time for F1, with the contracts of five major races all up for renewal at the end of this season. Britain, Italy, Spain, Germany and Mexico are all out of contract after this year.

All want to continue but say they cannot do so under the financial terms on offer from F1.

Race-hosting fees are the single biggest source of revenue for F1, so the circuits hold a strong hand in discussions.

F1 declined to comment on the specific issues raised by the circuits.