Liberty Media bought out founder John Malone's voting power in Formula 1's parent company, cutting his control from 48% to 3% after third parties made unsolicited offers for his high-vote shares. The move blocks any outside buyer from acquiring Malone's voting bloc and strengthens the hand of Liberty's broader shareholder base — including on decisions like selling F1 itself. Malone said last year Liberty would entertain offers if the price beat what management believed it could return, with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund floated as a potential suitor. F1's net worth now sits near $28 billion, with the average team valued at $3.6 billion. Liberty CEO Derek Chang says the company isn't weighing a sale in 2026 and remains focused on growth, but the transaction ensures that if a bidding war does erupt, it's Liberty's board — not Malone or a mystery buyer — calling the shots.
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