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Red Bull Advisor Raises Concern Over F1 Bid - "Wouldn't Be So Good If It Went To A Country That Is Culturally Different"

Helmut Marko has spoken out about the $20 billion offer for F1.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has spoken out on the reports of a $20 billion offer for F1 from the Saudi Arabia Sovereign Wealth Fund, stating that he thinks "it wouldn't be so good if it went to a country that is culturally different."

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Bloomberg reported that the offer had been made but rejected by Liberty Media. However, it is said that the Saudi Arabia Sovereign Wealth Fund is still interested in discussing negotiations. The offer has caused a battle between the F1 and FIA with Mohammed Ben Sulayem posting to social media saying:

"Any potential buyer is advised to apply common sense, consider the greater good of the sport and come with a clear, sustainable plan – not just a lot of money."

This caused the legal representatives for Liberty Media to hit back at the FIA. Whilst the back and forth continues between the two entities, Marko has given his opinion on the situation. 

During an interview with RTL, Marko explained:

"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.

“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.”

The bid isn't the only aspect that Marko has been outspoken on. The Red Bull advisor has also publicly said that the decision to prohibit drivers' from making personal, religious, or political statements is wrong. He explained:

“This decision is clearly wrong. [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.”

Red Bull will be revealing their RB19 on Friday 3 February during an event in New York.