Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002003/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Pascal Arimont (PPE)
Liberty Media Corporation (LMC) is the owner of the Formula One Group (FOG), which holds Formula 1’s commercial rights until the end of 2110. A separation of commercial and regulatory activities in motor sport was approved by the Commission in 2001.
Over time, FOG has added the Formula 2 and Formula 3 series to its roster, and affiliate company Liberty Global controls Formula E. Through F1TV, FOG controls global broadcasts. Commercial agreements also make it very difficult for new teams to join the Formula 1 series, possibly restricting competition in an unlawful way – a point the US Department of Justice is investigating[1].
LMC has now committed to acquiring Spanish-based Dorna SL, rights holder of all MotoGP and affiliated motorcycle circuit racing events. According to LMC, approval has been granted in most major jurisdictions. In 2006, the Commission gave permission to CVC Capital Partners to proceed with a buy-out of Formula One shares, only after the firm agreed to get rid of its interests in MotoGP EU[2].
In view of these developments, and the fact that Parliament has called for an investigation into competition concerns arising from the Formula 1 motor sport industry[3]:
Will the Commission finally start an anti-trust investigation into regulations and commercial arrangements involving LMC, in order to protect consumers and guarantee fair competition?
Submitted: 9.10.2024
- [1] https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-owner-liberty-media-anti-trust-probe-andretti-rejection/10643128/.
- [2] Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes stated at the time that this was a necessary step to ward off the risk of a reduction in consumer choice.
- [3] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-8-2017-0027_EN.html.