Sauber Group CEO Andreas Seidl has praised the work carried out by Formula One Management and the FIA in recent years to modernise F1.
Liberty Media took over the commercial rights of the sport in 2017 and since then, it has seen extensive growth in avenues such as race viewership, grand prix attendance and social media engagement.
Prior to Liberty Media’s takeover, F1 was known to be conservative with its output under the ruling of Bernie Ecclestone.
But Seidl says that the alternative approach taken in recent years has signalled “positive change” for F1.
“The sport is enjoying a surge in popularity, which is fantastic news,” Seidl said.
“Liberty Media and the FIA have done a great job in modernising F1, both from a regulatory standpoint and in the way it’s consumed by fans.
“The FIA’s new technical and financial rules have achieved positive change and the sport is now much more open and accessible to the fans, which is in line with our team’s fan-centric approach.
“Everything we do is meant to bring our fans closer to the team. We value openness, showing our true spirit and bringing our “home team” to the fore.
“I think it’s great to see a sport populated by healthy teams, with crowded venues and worldwide interest.
“We’re all playing an important part in making sure our sport is exciting and remains relevant in the future.”
Seidl ‘optimistic’ over 2023 F1 gains
Seidl has taken on a new role at the helm of the Sauber Group for the 2023 Formula 1 season, having previously been the Team Principal of McLaren.
His appointment was announced a handful of months after Audi confirmed it would enter the sport in 2026 in partnership with Sauber.
Alfa Romeo will part ways with Sauber at the end of the 2023 campaign, with Seidl hoping for a successful final year together.
“Sauber Motorsport’s title partnership with Alfa Romeo has been a success on and off the track: it has evolved into a model of technical and commercial partnership and has by far exceed expectations over the past five years,” he said.
“The relationship has allowed us to grow a global promotional platform that has contributed to increasing our standing and credibility with partners and sponsors.
“Our aim for this year is, together with Alfa Romeo, to continue improving the team’s on-track results and see Alfa Romeo`s fantastic activation programme coming to life during 2023, a plan we`re excited to share in the coming weeks and months.”
Alfa Romeo finished sixth in the Constructors’ Championship last year – Seidl is confident that the team can go even further in the coming years.
“We have seen in 2022, at the start of a new regulations cycle, that this team can deliver a strong car and make progress up the grid.
“The key for us is to continue in this direction in the coming months and years. What I want to see is progress in every area of the team, be that at the factory or trackside.
“Having seen and recently experienced how the team has prepared for this coming season under the leadership of our Technical Director, Jan Monchaux, and Operations Director, Axel Kruse, I am very optimistic we will achieve this as a team.”
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