After decades at the very top of Formula 1, Bernie Ecclestone has been replaced as the sport's boss. Having completed the acquisition of the sport just yesterday, Liberty Media CEO Chase Carey made Ross Brawn his first appointment.
Of course Brawn is a legend within the sport, with 11 Championships as Ferrari's Technical Director plus his success with Williams, Benetton and his own Brawn GP team. His role as Managing Director of F1 is a hugely significant moment for the sport, bringing four decades of race experience to a position that the previous incumbent has occupied for so long. Which changes could come first? What would you like to see?
Brawn said of the new role: "It's fantastic to be returning to the world of Formula 1... We have an almost unprecedented opportunity to work together with the teams and promoters for a better F1 for them and, most importantly, for the fans." Of course soundbites are meant to sound encouraging, but at this moment many seem supportive of Brawn's appointment and the possibilities ahead.
Joining Brawn in the upper echelons of F1 management will be Sean Bratches, now hired as Managing Director, Commercial Operations. He comes from an illustrious career at ESPN, with Chase Carey commenting: "Sean was a driving force in building ESPN into one of the world's leading sports franchises. His expertise and experience in sales, marketing, digital media, and distribution will be invaluable as we grow Formula 1."
So these are pretty big changes in the senior management of F1; indeed the Liberty Media Group is to be renamed the Formula 1 Group as well. Will the sport miss Bernie and his unique style? Is Ross Brawn the right man for the job? Over to you!
PH is already discussing Liberty and the new F1 - join the discussion here.