F1 logo change in the interest of the sport - Todt

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Ahead of the unveiling of Formula 1's new logo, FIA president Jean Todt says he has no issues with the change as it goes in the interest of the sport.

Liberty Media will pull the covers off the new symbol after today's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, an impending change questioned by the F1 community and its fans.

But Todt trusts Liberty's decision is in the long term interests of Formula 1.

"It is an evolution," said the president of F1's governing body.

"And incidentally the commercial rights holder can change the logo with the agreement of the FIA – and they are very professional people.

"If the result of the studies demonstrate that it is going in the interest of the development of F1, I think we should encourage that.

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"These people, they are very talented, business people, and that is demonstrated by Chase Carey having previously been chairman of Fox.

"He has been doing very well. He has good professionals around him, so I do trust in their judgement. I have seen their exercise and I think it is a good evolution."

Criticism of Liberty Media has been ramping up lately, with many believing there is currently a lack of concrete ideas and plans from F1's new owners. But Todt says the sport is in good hands and advocates patience.

"Liberty Media is a strong group, and Chase Carey is a great CEO," said Todt.

"He has been building a proper structured organisation by hiring very professional people. It is a different approach but I feel it is very professional and they work very well.

"I am very happy about that and I think everybody who loves the sport should be happy and feel that the sport of F1 is in good hands.

"Globally I think the sport is in a good situation. But still having to address quite a lot of issues which is part of normal life."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.