Helmut Marko wary of F1 being sold to “culturally different” Saudi Arabia
Earlier this month, reported that Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund was prepared to make a $20bn (£16bn) bid for Fꩲ1.
Given that Liberty Media paid less than half of that back in 2017, the current owners of F1 could make a s♊erious profit should they decide to sell.
The speculation was met with polarising thoughts, with FIA pre🦂sident Mohammed Ben Sulayem questioning the hefty price tag.
In response to this, 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:F1 lawyers wrote to the FIA,ღ accusing Ben Sulayem of “interfering” in an “unacceptable manner♔”.
Speaking about the speculation in an interview with RTL, Marko admitted the potential bid was a “good sign” for the sport bಞut was wary about Saudi Arabia’s interest.
"I think it wouldn't be so good if it we𒈔nt to♌ a country that is culturally different from where most of the races take place,” he said.
“And generally it's a commercial thing, and t🐠hat's🥂 more likely to happen with someone who meets normal corporate standards, if you want to put it that way.”
Marko has also slammed the FIA for their stance on not allow✅ing drivers to express “political, personal or religious” views amid a new clampdown.
The move has also been 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:criticised b𝐆y Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Botta🎐s, while former F1 driver and current Channel 4 commentator168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史: David Coulthard ꦕhas been more supportive.
Giving hi꧙s view, Marko said: “This decision is clearly wrong,” Marko added. “[Drivers] are responsi🦩ble citizens who are in the global public eye and know how, and what, they have to say.
“In general, we are in a democratic society and everyone can ex🌳p🍸ress their opinion.”
With a sharp eye for F1’s controversies and storylines, Connor is the heಌartbeat of our unbiased reporting.
