Reigning world champion Nico Rosberg has welcomed Formula One's new owners, saying a change was "overdue".
On Monday evening, Liberty Media confirmed it had completed its takeover of F1 and announced a new management structure that sees Bernie Ecclestone replaced by Liberty's chairman Chase Carey. Former Ferrari technical director and Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn joins as a managing director on the sporting side while former ESPN sales and marketing executive Sean Bratches will oversee commercial matters.
F1 under Ecclestone has long been criticised for prioritising short-term profits over the long-term future of the sport and Rosberg was among the first to tweet in support of the changes.
Bernie, mega job! But a change has been overdue. Mr. Carey, all the best in making our sport awesome again. 👍
— Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) January 23, 2017
Felipe Massa also tweeted his thanks to Ecclestone, who has been at the helm of F1 for four decades.
Thank you Bernie and welcome Liberty Media . Hope F1 gets better and better . 👍👍
— Felipe Massa (@MassaFelipe19) January 23, 2017