Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko says he is not a fan of the prospect of Formula 1 being sold to Saudi Arabia amid rumours of a major bid.
A report from Bloomberg earlier this month stated that the Public Wealth Fund (PIF) was recently in talks with F1 over a $20 billion deal.
The price tag was questioned by the FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who labelled it an “inflated” figure while calling on any potential bidder to consider “common sense”.
Ben Sulayem’s message was met with backlash from F1 who filed a letter to the president, accusing him of over-stepping his remit.
Speaking about the matter to RTL, Marko insisted that the apparent interest in a takeover was a “good sign” for the sport, but is wary of Saudi Arabia’s bid.
“I think it wouldn’t be so good if it went to a country that is culturally different from where most of the races take place,” he said.
“And generally it’s a commercial thing, and that’s more likely to happen with someone who meets normal corporate standards, if you want to put it that way.”
Marko hits out at FIA ban on political statements
Marko criticised the FIA for implementing a ban on political statements from drivers amid a period of activism from certain individuals.
Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel in particular have been vocal in recent years regarding matters such as equality, diversity and environmental awareness.
Marko says that stopping the drivers from speaking out about matters close to their hearts does not reflect their right to exercise free speech.
“This decision is clearly wrong,” Marko commented. “[Drivers] are responsible citizens who are in the global public eye and know-how, and what, they have to say.
“In general, we are in a democratic society and everyone can express their opinion.”
