Ecclestone uncertain of Liberty Media closing F1 deal

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Bernie Ecclestone says he cannot guarantee that Liberty Media will succeed in closing its deal to purchase Formula 1 in the coming months.

The American media company which committed to buying a controlling stake in Formula 1 from CVC Capital is scheduled to complete the deal early next year.

It recently initiated its involvement by acquiring a 10 percent interest in the business and is currently seeking a funding mechanism to complete its buy-out process.

While he could not ensure that Liberty would fulfill its obligations on a deal valued at approximately $4.4 billion, Ecclestone said he would be surprised if it didn't happen.

"I’ve never counted their money," Ecclestone told Motorsport.com.

"I don’t know their company, so I have no idea. They paid what they had to pay, they bought 10% of the company and they paid.

"I’d be surprised if it didn’t happen, but if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen. CVC will still own their shares, less what they sold. Liberty will have 10%.

"They’ll have the same amount of shares, actually a bit less, that my family have."

Ecclestone insisted he didn't care who the shareholders of Formula 1 are, and should the situation with Liberty Media result in a status quo, so be it.

"I don’t mind who the shareholders are. I never had any trouble with CVC, they’ve been shareholders for 10 years. We’ve never had any disputes or any problems. They’ve been very, very good.

"Donald [Mackenzie] bought the company for the reason that people like him buy companies, so he could sell it at a profit, which he’s managed to do.

"And he’s an enthusiast, he loves his F1, and he trusts the way he’s been running things. Everything works well."

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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.