Force India and Sauber drop EU anti-competitive complaints

Force India and Sauber have withdrawn their formal anti-competitive complaints filed with the European Union back in 2015.

The teams had brought their grievances to the authorities back then, alleging “unlawful” practices in Formula One’s governance and distribution of revenues.

“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,” the teams confirmed on Thursday.

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Positive discussions between Force India, Sauber and F1 rights holder Liberty Media have apparently led to reassurances for all interested parties and the subsequent withdrawal of the complaints by the teams.

“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 compliant 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.

“We want to support this transformational process in Formula 1 and thus have resolved to withdraw our complaint with immediate effect.”

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