EU probes Liberty Media's $4bn MotoGP deal, Why F1 should retire world champion numbers longer, and other big updates

EU probes Liberty Media's $4bn MotoGP deal

The European Union is set to investigate Liberty Media's purchase of MotoGP following their planned acquisition of an 86% stake in Dorna Sports. Liberty is funding the 4.2 billion euro deal by selling a stake in Formula 1 for $825 million. The EU's antitrust chief, Teresa Ribera, is concerned about the impact of having both F1 and MotoGP under the same company, especially in the broadcasting and streaming sectors. Officials are expected to begin a phase 2 investigation by December 19, though Liberty remains confident the deal will pass regulatory scrutiny.

Click here to read the full article by Pablo Elizalde (motorsport.com)

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Why F1 should retire world champion numbers longer

The 2025 F1 grid will see rookies Gabriel Bortoleto and Jack Doohan choose numbers recently associated with World Champions Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen. While these numbers were available after the drivers’ two-year absence, the practice raises questions about whether the tradition of linking a number to a driver’s legacy should last longer. Some argue that locking World Champion numbers for a longer period would honor their significance, giving their brand more time to settle before being reused. The suggestion is to extend the absence rule for World Champions to five years, allowing their numbers to remain a meaningful part of F1 history.

Click here to read the full article by Thomas Maher (planetf1.com)

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McLaren's rise from financial crisis to 2024 title

McLaren was on the brink of collapse in 2020, fighting for survival due to financial turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Without crucial investments, including a significant stake sale to MSP Sports Capital, the team risked becoming another F1 casualty. Despite this, McLaren's management kept the team focused, and by 2024, the team secured its first constructors' title in 26 years, which marked a dramatic turnaround. McLaren now stands as one of F1's strongest teams, with resources equal to the top three, and this has proved its survival was essential for its recovery and future success.

Click here to read the full article by Scott Mitchell-Malm & Josh Suttill (the-race.com)

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Verstappen completes community service in Rwanda

Max Verstappen completed his community service in Kigali, Rwanda, as part of a penalty for using bad language at the Singapore Grand Prix. He took part in a motorsport program to inspire young drivers and engineers, stressing the need to make motorsport more affordable. Verstappen was impressed by the passion of Rwanda’s youth and hoped the program would help grow motorsport in Africa. After the service, he received his fourth consecutive Formula 1 World Championship trophy, reflecting on his success and looking forward to more achievements.

Click here to read the full article by Phillip van Osten (f1i.com)

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Albon's golf game gets a tip from Colapinto 

How well do you think Albon knows about golf? Turns out, not much—his teammate Franco Colapinto gives him a few tips that could come in handy if he hits the golf range. In Episode 19 of Team Torque, the Williams boys answer a few fan questions, like when Albon realized he was missing his wing mirror in Abu Dhabi, along with some other things.