Chase Carey knows it is too early too celebrate the progress Liberty Media has made since it’s arrival in Formula 1 at the end of 2016, but he says it is undeniable that the sport is heading in the right direction.
Liberty has been tasked at improving the show in the sport, both on and off the track, and Formula 1 CEO Carey says there is still work to be done in both aspects, but they are positive that they are doing things the right way in order to improve attendance and improve the racing.
“It’s too early to celebrate,” said Carey to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport. “Still, we’re on the right path to improve the show both on and off the track.
“We’ve seen a couple of good races and the competition at the top is very close.”
Carey revealed that people told him during the German Grand Prix weekend that the sport is ‘more fun’ than it was prior to Liberty Media’s arrival, and he feels this is all down to having heroes within the sport, such as Max Verstappen, who has brought significant interest from his homeland thanks to his impressive driving skills at such a young age.
“It’s interesting that people came up to me in Germany to tell me that it was more fun than two years ago,” said Carey. “Partly because there were so many fans this time. You see, Formula 1 is about heroes who spark the imagination, kind of like in the movies.
“You have strong brands and important teams, but in the end, it’s all about the drivers as the main characters. Max Verstappen is a hero because of his driving skills, that’s something that touches and inspires people.”
One hero of Formula 1 past is Michael Schumacher, and with his son Mick Schumacher making waves in junior formulae, Carey hopes that the most recent FIA European Formula 3 Championship race winner can follow his father into Formula 1, although he acknowledges it needs to be made easier for young drivers to reach the top level of single seater motorsport.
“The role of Michael Schumacher is still big in F1 nowadays,” said Carey. “He is and remains an icon for the sport.
“It should be easier for young drivers to move on to Formula 1, it would be special if Mick also had that possibility.”
