# Liberty Media Founder John Malone Relinquishes Formula 1 Voting Control Liberty Media repurchased high-vote shares from John Malone to consolidate internal corporate governance. - **Source:** [The Race](https://www.the-race.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [Finance](https://brifing.si/c/finance) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/f1d00f40-3ff2-4750-a895-34163ea49a63 ## Malone relinquishes voting control John Malone, founder and former chairman of Liberty Media, has significantly reduced his voting power within the Formula 1 parent company. In November 2026, the corporation repurchased his high-vote stock, effectively diluting his voting influence from approximately 48% down to 3%. This transition marks a major shift in the company's internal governance structure. ## Strategic move against third parties The decision to repurchase Malone's shares followed several unsolicited offers from external parties seeking to acquire his high-vote stock. By executing this transaction, Liberty Media has successfully prevented the transfer of significant voting control to outside entities. This move ensures that the company retains its independence regarding future strategic decisions and potential asset sales. ## Strengthening shareholder influence Liberty Media president and CEO Derek Chang stated that the move allows the company to control its own destiny. By eliminating the concentration of power held by a single individual with low economic interest, the firm has empowered its broader shareholder base. This change directly impacts how future major decisions, including potential sales, are handled. ## Historical context of acquisition Liberty Media originally acquired Formula 1 in 2017 for a total of 4.6 billion dollars. John Malone served as the chairman of the board until 2026, overseeing the sport's growth during his tenure. His influence was instrumental in shaping the company's trajectory since the initial purchase, which transformed the global commercial landscape of motorsport. ## Current focus on organic growth Despite previous speculation regarding a potential sale of Formula 1, CEO Derek Chang emphasized that the company is currently focused on growing its existing businesses. Management is prioritizing capital allocation toward internal growth plans rather than divestment. There is no current indication that a sale of the racing series is being considered. ## Economic valuation of the sport As of November 2026, the net worth of Formula 1 is estimated at nearly 28 billion dollars. The sport has seen a massive surge in value, with the average F1 team worth reaching 3.6 billion dollars in 2025. These figures highlight the immense commercial success Liberty Media has achieved since its initial acquisition. ## Expansion into other racing series Beyond Formula 1, Liberty Media has continued to expand its portfolio in the sports and entertainment sector. In 2025, the company completed the acquisition of an 84% stake in Dorna, the commercial rights holder for MotoGP. This transaction was valued at approximately 3.3 billion dollars, further diversifying the company's high-profile global sports assets. ## Future governance and stability By consolidating voting power, Liberty Media has created a more stable environment for its long-term strategic planning. The company remains committed to its current business model, leveraging its control over premier racing properties. Investors should monitor how this centralized control influences future capital allocation and potential expansion efforts within the global sports market. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.the-race.com/business/liberty-media-founder-john-malone-sells-voting-power-f1-parent-company/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._