Gradually Liberty Media Corporation, the new owner of the Formula One Group, has come to appreciate that its acquisition is no easy ride, and that its potential riches will only be realised after numerous challenges are overcome.
While the FOG, under the leadership of seasoned media man Chase Carey, who reports to Greg Maffei, CEO of parent Liberty Media - in turn reporting to a board headed by chairman John Malone - moved commendably quickly in appointing a revised management structure, dissent among suppliers (the teams) and customers (promoters/broadcasters) has not been slow in brewing.
Of course, as any newly-appointed executive knows, the sooner a new management team is appointed, the better for all concerned - for old loyalties die hard. Announcements that Sean Bratches, formerly ESPN executive vice president of sales and marketing, was handed the role of managing director, commercial operations and Formula 1 legend Ross Brawn appointed managing director, motorsport, were expected sooner rather than later.