Sauber, Force India drop EU complaint

After being encouraged by dialogue with Liberty Media, Force India and Sauber have withdrawn a complaint to the European Commission.

Published : Jan 25, 2018 21:41 IST

Sergio Perez driving for Force India
Sergio Perez driving for Force India
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Sergio Perez driving for Force India

Force India and Sauber have dropped a joint complaint made to the European Commission regarding anti-competitive practices in Formula One.

The teams lodged a complaint in 2015 under the sport's previous regime, citing "unfair and unlawful" governance and had a particular grievance over the split of prize money in F1.

However, Liberty Media completed a takeover of the sport last year and the teams say they have been "encouraged" by talks with the new owners.

A joint Force India and Sauber statement read: " We have decided to withdraw the complaint we lodged with the European Commission in 2015 on the subject of anti-competitive practices in the sport of Formula 1.

"We have been greatly encouraged by the dialogue that has been introduced following the appointment of Chase Carey as Executive Chairman and CEO of the Formula 1 commercial rights holder and his new management team. 

"Their approach has brought a new culture of transparency to the sport and illustrates willingness to debate fundamental issues such as the distribution of the prize fund monies, cost control and engine regulations.

"We are encouraged and reassured by the even-handed and fair negotiating approach taken by the new management of Formula 1 to all the teams and their issues.

"While the concerns leading to the complaint were fully justified, we believe this new approach provides the necessary degree of assurance that our concerns will be looked at objectively, and we prefer to resolve the issues facing the sport through dialogue rather than a legal dispute."

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