How F1's ownership could change hands
News of an attempt to take control of Formula 1's commercial rights caused a stir on Tuesday. DIETER RENCKEN looks at how the Qatari-US bid fits into the bigger picture
That something was amiss became apparent the moment F1 decamped in the foothills of Austria's snow-capped Styrian Mountains. Even before the cars were presented for Thursday scrutineering, Red Bull's Dietrich Mateschitz - owner of two teams, the circuit hosting the grand prix and a string of media properties - levelled heavy criticism at engine partner Renault via his motorsport organ Speedweek.
That in itself was no surprise, for Red Bull management have long expressed their frustrations about the power unit's lack of performance - even when their own chassis have been lacking - and such were their comments that Mateschitz, a self-made billionaire many times over, must have granted approval for their outbursts, even if only tacitly.
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