In a move that has sent ripples through the world of motorsport business, John Malone, one of the most influential figures behind Formula 1’s modern era, is stepping down as chairman of Liberty Media, the owner of the Formula 1 Group. Malone’s tenure at the helm has witnessed some of the biggest transformations in the sport’s history, as well as the explosive global growth that F1 has experienced since Liberty’s acquisition. This change at the top marks the beginning of a new chapter for the organization and, potentially, for the sport itself.
Liberty Media acquired Formula 1 back in 2017, shifting the sport into a new age of entertainment-driven focus, innovative broadcasting, and global expansion beyond its traditional European strongholds. Malone’s oversight was instrumental: not just in approving the landmark buyout from CVC Capital Partners and the former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, but in endorsing the strategic decisions that followed, from the huge push into the United States market to the foundation of streaming platform F1 TV and the embrace of social media and fan-focused branding initiatives.
Malone himself is a legend in the business world, often referred to as the “Cable Cowboy” for his work building cable TV empires in the United States. At Liberty, he’s managed a portfolio that includes SiriusXM, the Atlanta Braves, and of course, the prized jewel—F1. His decision to move on—reportedly to free up time for other boardroom responsibilities—comes at a moment when F1 is riding higher than ever, with record-breaking attendances, skyrocketing franchise values for teams, and a calendar stacked with high-profile events from Las Vegas to Miami.
Malone’s departure will see Greg Maffei, the current CEO of Liberty Media, step in as chairman—consolidating power at a crucial time. Fans and analysts alike will be watching Maffei closely to see if he maintains Liberty’s aggressive growth strategy, or if he pivots to a new vision for the sport. Under Maffei and outgoing CEO Chase Carey, Formula 1 reinvented itself for the Netflix generation, with “Drive to Survive” capturing new audiences and turbocharging interest in regions previously untouched by the F1 bug.
But as every F1 fan knows, no team—or organization—can afford to stand still. Liberty Media faces a set of fresh challenges going forward. Regulatory tensions are brewing, especially around the sport’s cost cap regulations and ongoing sustainability efforts; questions about the expansion of the race calendar, especially into markets like the United States, Middle East, and Asia; and the pressure to keep up digital innovation in both fan engagement and broadcast technology. Moreover, as manufacturers like Audi and Ford prepare to join the fray, and existing powerhouses like Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull consolidate their positions, keeping all stakeholders—teams, circuits, fans, and sponsors—aligned will be more difficult than ever.
Malone’s track record suggests he will remain a powerful figure behind the scenes, even as he relinquishes his F1-specific role. His influence on the sport’s direction—and the wealth he’s helped unlock for shareholders and teams alike—cannot be overstated. Formula 1’s bold leap into the future, with its blend of speed, technology, and spectacle, was very much a Liberty Media project, shaped by the kind of business visionaries seldom seen in sport before.
For Hungarian fans—and indeed for the passionate fan base across Central Europe—this leadership change is also a fascinating opportunity. With so much focus in recent years on reaching new audiences, will Liberty’s next steps further embrace the enthusiastic and knowledgeable fans who fill the Hungaroring every summer? Or might the pendulum swing toward ever-expanding into new territories?
One thing is certain: F1 is never dull, and neither is the business drama that unfolds behind the pit wall. As John Malone steps back, Formula 1 faces a period of both reflection and bold innovation. Fans can buckle up for another thrilling ride—on track and off it.
