Formula One Group

Claire Williams, the deputy team principal and commercial director of the Williams F1 team, writes exclusively for SportBusiness International about the changing face of the sport.

Formula One is to revamp the appearance of its cars, change its qualifying system and introduce a ‘Driver of the Day’ award as part of continued efforts to enhance the motor racing series amid concern over a downturn in television audience figures.

French automotive manufacturer Renault has today (Friday) said an announcement regarding its long-mooted takeover of Formula One team Lotus is expected to be made next week, as Red Bull Racing confirmed it has an engine deal in place that will allow it to compete in the motor racing championship next season.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has fired the latest shot in its battle to secure a cheaper alternative engine supplier to Formula One’s main manufacturers by commencing the steps towards an official tender process today (Friday).

Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone has suggested that Red Bull Racing is now set to remain in the motor-racing world championship.

Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone has said there are three interested buyers in the motor racing series, adding it could be sold this year.

Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone has granted Silverstone permission to defer its race fee for this season’s British Grand Prix until 2016, as the historic circuit faces renewed questions over its long-term place on the calendar of the motor racing series.

Formula One teams Force India and Sauber have filed an official complaint to the European Union’s Competition Commission concerning the motor racing championship’s governance and revenue distribution model.

French automotive manufacturer Renault is set to return to full-works status in the Formula One motor racing championship after announcing it intends to acquire a controlling stake in the financially embattled Lotus team.

Helmut Marko, motorsport consultant for Red Bull Racing, has said that the team could withdraw from the Formula One motor-racing world championship if it does not secure a competitive engine in time for the 2016 season.

Federico Gastaldi, the deputy team manager of Lotus F1, is hopeful that a takeover of the ailing Formula One motor-racing team by rival Renault can be completed “very soon” after securing an adjournment over a winding-up order.

The Victoria state government has sealed a fresh three-year extension to its contract for the Australian Grand Prix, ensuring the country’s round of the Formula One motor-racing championship will remain in Melbourne until 2023.

The Formula One motor-racing series has registered a rise by more than a third in its pre-tax profits for 2014, while revenues also increased by 3.2 per cent, according to the Daily Telegraph.

French automotive manufacturer Renault has held talks with Force India about acquiring a majority stake in the team, as it explores its options surrounding its role in the Formula One motor racing championship.

Formula One is set to retain an 11-team grid for its 2016 season after the International Motorsport Federation (FIA) rejected approaches from two bidders to enter new teams in the motor-racing championship.

Audience ratings and trends for major events in 2014-15 including the Fifa World Cup, Winter Olympics, Tour de France and more, with data from Eurodata TV Worldwide.The Fifa World Cup 2014 generated the largest average audience for a major international sports event (as opposed to domestic leagues and competitions) in four of the five major European markets in 2014-15.