In the short term, not much will change. The Australian media rights deal still has a few years to run so it will be the current TV situation for a while.
Longer term I can’t see a group of investors paying $8bn just to give away broadcasting ability over the net (the future of what we call TV); the free streaming services will get some attention from F1’s lawyers.
You’ll see more media access to F1 teams and drivers, more social media coverage, and probably a reality series or two. Here’s hoping we don’t get the stupid Formula E fan boost – motorsport is not a popularity contest. Drivers doing things that are just legal but unpopular should be encouraged, it makes people want to watch (people love a good villain).
The US will get a bigger focus, probably a second race and a push for US drivers (this might be the reality series).
The big issue remains that the decision making process in F1 is convoluted which limits the ability for real change. The top teams are too scared of losing their advantage so don’t want to change (Merc has the advantage now, someone else will have it next year and then they will block changes). F1 needs a smart dictator to lay down the law and deliver a formula for close racing with technological advancement (not easy). Bernie tries to perform this role; however, he doesn’t have the power over the rules; thankfully, remember short cuts on the tracks and gold medals. Bernie won’t last his new three year deal.
