Carey: 'I expect turbulence'

Chase Carey, the new general manager of the Liberty Media F1 Group, spoke to AUTOhebdo about the situation of the discipline and in particular the distribution of income between the teams.

Published on 17/05/2017 à 15:33

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Do you fear that the state of grace in which you still seem to be evolving will be shattered from the first negotiations governing the redistribution of dividends from the F1 ?

Not sure that my “state of grace”, as you say, lasted more than 24 hours! The discussions will not be easy, and that is why we must first agree on this global vision of sport. If we all have the same project, dialogue will only be easier. Life is not a long, calm river and I expect turbulence, and even bruises...

Don't the complexity of the rules and the difficulty the philistine has in understanding what's happening on the track prevent F1 from reaching a wider audience? And if so, should we educate or reform?

Probably both. We must simplify to keep only the rules that really matter and explain them sufficiently to fans so that they can fully enjoy the show. We must identify the important things and use the tools at our disposal to facilitate understanding. We have a whole bunch of information available and it's up to us to make it available to fans in a way that everyone can use it as they wish. The informed connoisseur does not have the same demands as the casual spectator…

Isn't it a shame that one of the most popular drivers on the grid, Fernando Alonso, turns its back on the most publicized Grand Prix, Monaco, to compete in a race in the United States, was it a monument like the Indianapolis 500?

I think it's a unique situation with a very talented driver not being in a position to defend his chances at the moment. I understand why this challenge makes sense for him. Let's also look at the positive side, namely that one of the most famous Grand Prix drivers will be exposed to a whole new audience. I would prefer to see him fight for victory in the streets of Monaco, but you have to take into account his situation and his feelings...

Discover the full interview with Chase Carey and the analysis of the Spanish GP carried out by our special correspondents in issue 2114 of AUTOhebdo, available now in digital version on all platforms and on kiosks.