In the round-up: Franco Colapinto admits his chances of securing the final place on the Formula 1 grid for next year are remote.
In brief
Colapinto doubts he’ll get Sauber seat
The only place left on the grid for the 2025 F1 season is the second Sauber seat alongside Nico Hulkenberg. Colapinto, who has impressed since replacing Logan Sargeant at Williams earlier this year, is doubtful he will be able to take it.
“It’s my dream to stay in Formula 1, that’s what I’m working for,” he told The Fast and the Curious. “I am going race by race.
“This year I got an amazing opportunity that I took with both hands, but my goal is to stay in Formula 1. I came to stay, that’s the reality, so I am giving my best to try to show everybody what I am capable of and that I deserve a seat in Formula 1.
“I’m doing well at the moment, so that’s all going in the right direction. But of course the seat point of view, it is looking very tough for next year. I’m not thinking about 2025, not really, I’m fully focused on this year and what we have to do about the great opportunity that I have for 2024 and to finish the year on a high and then we will see what I do in 2025. There is time to think in December when the year finishes what I am going to do.”
EU to consider F1 investigation
The European Parliament has been asked to consider opening an investigation into Liberty Media’s attempts to acquire Moto GP in addition to Formula 1 and other series it owns.
“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,” wrote Pascal Arimont, a member of the European People’s Party Group, in a question. “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.
“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…
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