Ecclestone: F1 could have new owners next year

The Chief Executive of Formula One Group, Bernie Ecclestone has stated that the series could be sold this year and indicated that there are three interested parties.

Ecclestone said: “There has been a lot of interest and there are three [interested parties] at the moment”.

Pressed on when he expects to see new owners, he added: “This year”.

“Our shareholders are in a position at the moment where they have to lose a few, or all, of their shares shortly, that’s the way things are set up for them”, Ecclestone revealed. According to a report in the Guardian in July, this means a return on investment 351.8% and with its remaining 35% stake controls the voting rights of F1’s Jersey-based parent company, Delta Topco.

At the same conference, Mercedes AMG Petronas boss Toto Wolff said it was important for the sport to have a “sustainable shareholder with a long-term perspective and vision”.

“Bernie has been in Formula One for so many years, he has done fantastic work making Formula One what it is today”, Hakkinen said.

“Maybe I am talking too much actually, because let’s hear the real story, when we get full news about it. Better not to say too much now”. Didn’t happen. Periodically stories emerge suggesting there are parties interested in buying F1. They rarely come to anything.

Ecclestone confirmed he planned to sell his five per cent stake as part of the deal. Meanwhile, Ecclestone himself is a master of misdirection and manipulation.

Though he did not speak directly about Ross’ bid, Ecclestone believes a sale could be imminent.