Recently, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) made Liberty Media a mouth-watering offer. The Saudi PIF offered the American media company and owners of F1 $20 billion for the sport. The price tag is 4.5x times more than what the Americans paid for the sport’s ownership back in late 2016. When this news broke, a lot of entities associated with Formula 1 reacted to it and delivered their verdict. However, we doubt anyone received the amount of backlash as much as the President of FIA is getting for his statement.
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The largest sovereign fund in the world made an astonishing offer for the sport. However, the F1 owners rejected it as quickly as it came. The FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, seconded this decision of the owners via his official Twitter handle.
Reuters
New FIA President Press Conference. Paris, France – December 17, 2021 New FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem during the press conference. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
Ben Sulayem Tweeted, “As the custodians of motorsport, the FIA, as a non-profit organisation, is cautious about alleged inflated price tags of $20bn being put on F1. Any potential buyer is advised to apply common sense. Consider the greater good of the sport and come with a clear, sustainable plan – not just a lot of money. It is our duty to consider what the future impact will be for promoters in terms of increased hosting fees and other commercial costs, and any adverse impact that it could have on fans.”
Read More: F1 Turns Downs Heavy Saudi Arabian Multi-Billion Dollar Check
The Emirati former rally driver has faced backlash from the fans before as the face of all the FIA dealings, the jewelry ban being one example. This is exactly the reception he got for his latest Tweet as well.
FIA president faces backlash from the F1 fans for his tweet about the sport’s ownership
The fans are seeing right through the tweet and calling out the President for the hidden message of greed. We all know there will be disruption if the sport’s ownership changes hands. Nobody wants that, especially the people who benefit most from it.
Translation: “Liberty Media, please don’t sell our cash cow. I hope you’ll hold out for a bigger payday while I pretend to give a fuck about something other than my bank account.”
As the custodians of motorsport, the FIA, as a non-profit organisation, is cautious about alleged inflated price tags of $20bn being put on F1. (1/3)
The fans are seeing right through the President’s tweet and calling him out.
But why aren’t you tweeting this from the official @fia then? I thought individuals were no longer permitted to speak on political matters? #F1
Not sure how you can use the word sport any more. It's just manufactured entertainment isn't it. Want a championship, cheat, it'll be OK. Need a close finish, we can create that for you.
Bruh have you seen ticket prices? That shit is already unobtainable by anyone that isn't loaded
Do you think Liberty will like you talking down the price they get for F1? 😂
WATCH THIS STORY: F1 Clarifies Safety Car Rules That Cost Lewis Hamilton The 2021 Championship
As the “custodians” of motorsport you have FAILED because you: accepted races to be manipulated awarded team that was cheating glorify driver with the most unsportsmanlike attitude let biased stewards judge appeals personally went AGAINST ONE DRIVER @F1 lost INTEGRITY 😡 👎
Some fans are also pointing out all the mishaps that sullied the 2022 championship viewing experience for them. A $20 Billion price tag might look very enticing in a few years if the viewership dips because of these consistent mishaps.