Liberty Media will not 'Americanize' F1 - Carey

Formula One Group's new chairman Chase Carey has pledged to move Grand Prix racing forward but with no specific emphasis on America, Liberty Media's core theater of operations.

Historically, since the advent of Formula 1's commercial era, the sport has struggled to build a US fan base, even leaving the United States altogether between 1991 and 2000.

While Liberty Media will obviously be looking to strengthen F1's exposure in North America and make the most of any opportunities that may arise, Chase Carey insisted there will be no 'Americanization' of the sport.

"I want to be clear, we didn't make this move because of America," Carey said in an interview with Sky Sports.

"America is an opportunity, I think we can do a lot more there, it's probably more long term than short term, it'll take time to build the audience.

"There's a much more passionate fan-base than anybody realizes in America, and I think we can do a lot to develop that. But realistically it's a global sport. We're not trying to 'Americanize' the sport."

Carey recognizes Formula 1's European heritage and historical roots , and has vowed to respect its legacy.

"We have great respect for the European foundations of Formula 1. Europe is critically important to us, and we will build on that. This is a great global sport and a great franchise, and one we are just going to continue to build on the things Bernie [Ecclestone] has built over the prior decades.

"It is an evolution. This is great sport, with great brands, great franchises, great stars, great technology. We want to make it everything it can be, and continue to build it by working with Bernie to make it bigger and better."

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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.