Piling FIA Blunders Take A Hit on $4.4 Billion Deal With Liberty Media

After the shortened F1 Japanese GP, we are almost at the end of the 2022 season. The race in Japan also crowned Max Verstappen, the world champion. However, the fashion in which the FIA did it might be the tipping point of already rising tensions between the FIA and Liberty Media.

Liberty Media, ever since the takeover in 2017, has been working towards increasing the popularity of Formula 1. Their efforts accelerated after Netflix’s Drive to Survive gained popularity. However, after the events of the 2022 season, tension is rising between the owners and the governing body.

The events? Firstly, the FIA’s delayed resolution and disclosure of the budget cap issues of the 2021 season. The delayed response and action are taking credibility away from the rule and disrupting the current season. It’s absurd to think the verdict on the 2021 budget cap is coming in October 2022.

Second: The ending of the Italian Grand Prix. After the events of the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP, the race director at the 2022 Italian GP contradicted the decision and finished the race behind a safety car. The race at Monza made the controversial decision of Abu Dhabi a topic of discussion again.

Third: The confusion with the points system until the very end which affected the championship announcement. This confusion took away a special team radio conversation between Verstappen and his team. Every fan would’ve wanted to relive the “Max Verstappen, you are the world champion. The world champion,” radio message.

Although things have only looked up since Liberty Media bought control of F1 with $4.4 Billion, the dynamic between the sport and the governing body seems to be changing.

Read More: Disputed 2023 Calendar Sparks Drama Between $15 Million Worth Liberty Media & FIA

All these incidents add up and result in a poor viewing experience for the fans. This is the focal point of the tensions between Liberty Media and the FIA.

Another unexpected point of contention between Liberty Media and the FIA

Not just on the racing front, the FIA’s decision on the future of the sport has also become a point of contention. The FIA left Liberty Media in the dark while announcing the 2023 calendar.

The calendar featuring a record 24 races in the season was supposed to be announced unanimously by Liberty Media and the FIA. However, FIA left the owners completely in the dark and announced the calendar without informing Liberty Media.

WATCH THIS STORY: F1 Miami GP Faces Backlash Amid Lavish Opening Ceremony Launching Party-Esque Race Weekend

The 24-race calendar already has faced plenty of backlash from the F1 community. However, by leaving the owners out of the announcement procedure, the FIA angered the one entity that could’ve been fully on board with the lengthy calendar.