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“Full Marks to Liberty Media”: Ex-Jordan Owner Believes F1’s Entry Into America a Masterstroke

Published 04/16/2024, 6:01 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

There was a time when someone like Michael Schumacher could walk the streets of America freely and not be bothered or recognized by fans, which was the polar opposite of what happened with him in Europe. But the Drive Survive Revolution has changed the face of Formula 1 in the States. But who hatched this billion-dollar idea? In 2017, Liberty Media (also responsible for efforts like DTS) bought F1 for $4.4 Billion and things have taken a 180-degree turn since then, with three F1 races being organized in the USA. The ex-F1 team owner believes the takeover has been extremely successful.

Liberty Media recently bought MotoGP, bringing the world’s premier four-wheel and two-wheel racing categories under the same umbrella. But the company made its first masterstroke when it took over the Bernie Ecclestone circus, which was losing its popularity with each passing day.

Talking on the Formula for Success Podcast, Eddie Jordan said, “Whether we like it or not, America likes to be entertained either at home or at races. I think we are so fortunate because motor racing has had such a great opportunity here. Full Marks to Liberty. John Malone is obviously of Irish blood and he is the frontman of this whole organization….he has built a business in phenomenal proportions.”

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But despite all the efforts to pique America’s interest, can another American F1 Team find its way to the grid? The possibility seems bleak, but Andretti seems relentless.

Can the American Team find its way to F1?

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Andretti’s bid to become an F1 team had an initial green light from the FIA for 2025 or 2026, only to be rejected by F1’s commercial rights holder (FOM). The rejection statement was rather brutal and doubted whether Andretti would be a competitive proposition in F1. The team stated it “strongly disagreed” with F1’s decision. Andretti Global has now found another way to prove its commitment.

JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 07: Mario Andretti, with his son Michael Andretti of the USA, look on as Marco Andretti, the son Michael, tests for Honda during Formula One testing at the Circuit De Jerez on February 7, 2007 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

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In furtherance of its F1 project, the American team has begun a move into a new facility on the Silverstone Park estate, and the plan is to also occupy an adjacent larger building. Assuming that the team’s F1 entry eventually gets a green light, it will base F3 and F2 programs at the new site. This commitment to the feeder series is a step to prove how serious the owners are about getting into F1.

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When do you think will they be allowed to enter F1? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Anmol

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Anmol is an F1 writer at EssentiallySports. With a background in journalism and a passion for motorsports, she brings a unique perspective to her coverage of the world of F1. Anmol's interest in the sport was piqued after watching Lewis Hamilton's interview with David Letterman, and she has been a dedicated follower ever since.
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Edited by:

Varunkumaar Chelladurai