Briatore: With the arrival of Liberty, Formula 1 has changed a lot.

      In an interview with The Race, Alpine's head Flavio Briatore spoke about the growing interest in Formula 1 after the arrival of Liberty Media...

      Flavio Briatore: "Ecclestone was extremely strict in business, imposing many restrictions. Liberty Media took a different approach, fully opening up the commercial side of the business.

      I think Bernie was just working in a different time. Today, the world has become much faster. Formula 1 has gained many new, major sponsors who enjoy supporting it. At some point – due to Drive to Survive, a different organization, commercial focus, or marketing, Formula 1 suddenly became 'the place to be' for everyone.

      The key to success was the series Drive to Survive. Before it, we were surviving, and with it, we started living significantly better.

      Moreover, Liberty Media managed to establish itself in the USA. Bernie tried to do this, but I remember that silly race in Phoenix, where no spectators showed up. Then there were tire issues in Indianapolis, where we couldn't hold a proper race due to the situation with Bridgestone and Michelin.

      And now you come to Austin – and all the tickets are sold out. Just like in Vegas. You can see how much Formula 1 has changed. All the races are sold out, all the stands are filled regardless of whether it rains or not. Fans are happy and full of enthusiasm. And this is the new Formula 1.

      When I sold my shares in Benetton, the team was worth a total of 80 million dollars. Today, it's about 3.5 or 4 billion. And every financial expert you talk to predicts that in three to four years, a Formula 1 team will be worth 10 billion dollars. But if it were my team, I would have sold it a long time ago!"