Formula 1 is at a standstill, but only on the track. While waiting for the Las Vegas GP, there are many changes behind the scenes. This time the shake-up is within Liberty Media itself, with Greg Maffei resigning as CEO of the US company.
Maffei leaves Liberty Media after nearly twenty years of service
There is a strong wind of change blowing within the circus, both on the FIA side and on the Liberty Media side. As for the Federation, Niels Wittich has resigned as race director, even if his departure does not seem entirely volunteer, as he himself released. Instead in Liberty Media, the masters of the Formula 1 world, it was announced on Official site of the company that Greg Maffei will no longer hold the role of CEO. He will be free starting in 2024, the natural expiration of his contract. The American manager thus leaves Liberty Media, for which he has worked since the distant 2005, when F1, perhaps, was not even in the most distant thoughts of the Americans.
In charge on an interim basis, will take Maffei's place John malone, or the current president of Liberty Media. The latter, in the press release, committed to dedicating a few words of thanks to his outgoing colleague. “On behalf of the Board of Directors of Liberty Media, I would like to thank Greg for his leadership, creativity and dedication. Since 2005, Greg has been at the forefront of Liberty's exciting evolution. He has helped grow our asset base and made the company better and more attractive to shareholders. All while simultaneously overseeing up to five separate public companies.“. To these words of praise, others of good wishes for his future were added. “I wish Greg continued success. as it embarks on its next chapter and appreciate his continued support as an Advisor”.

Maffei leaves Liberty Media, but investigation into Andretti is still open
It is therefore not a resignation or a forced departure, but rather a contract that will expire on December 31, 2024 and will not be renewed. In the aforementioned press release, Greg Maffei spent the space dedicated to him to motivate his farewell to the American mass media company. “The corporate structure is streamlined and the investee companies are in strong positions with talented executive teams. While it is never easy to leave a dynamic organization like Liberty, I am confident that this is the right time.“. In short, it seems to be simply a question of the exhaustion of its functions. No rupture, no misunderstanding.
During the first part of the season, Maffei had been accused by Mario Andretti regarding the entry of the eponymous team into F1. The now soon-to-be ex-CEO of Liberty Media, would have All espresso brewing methods at the time in a very clear way. “Mario, I want to tell you that I will do everything in my power to ensure that Michael (Andretti) never enters Formula 1.”. Heavy statements, especially if one takes into account that, last August, il Department of Justice of the United States Government has opened aantitrust investigation against Liberty Media.
Not only that, as is now known, the United States will be led starting from January 21, 2025 by Donald Trump and the Republican Party. Mario Andretti seems to have a good relationship with the latter, so much so that in May 2024 he had a meeting on Capitol Hill with the Republican John James, to talk about the FOM's decision to exclude the aspiring team. In short, it's probably a coincidence, but the decision not to renew Greg Maffei's position must at least be placed in this context which, unfortunately, has very little to do with sport.
Article Source: FormulaPassion.it, Motorsport.com