I can reveal it: Renee Wilm is being tipped at the highest levels of the Formula 1 world as a frontrunner to take on new powers as the sport’s chief executive.
The little-known American lawyer, who is CEO of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, next week’s race on The Strip, is emerging as the leading early candidate to replace Greg Maffei, the 64-year-old businessman who unexpectedly announced this week that he is stepping down as president and CEO of Liberty Media.
Only last month, the Formula One Group (F1G), owned by Liberty and led on their behalf by Stefano Domenicali, denied that the powerful Maffei, former CEO of Microsoft and Oracle, would step aside.
But some informed speculation among the sport’s high-rollers indicated that this was less than 100 percent certain, and lo and behold, he will now officially leave at the end of the year, according to Wednesday’s official statement. He will remain on as a ‘senior advisor’ to assist with the management transition.
Maffei, whose main sporting passion is golf, was a semi-regular visitor to races, although he was not always present, and the reasons for his departure are unclear.
What is clear is a serious battle for positions at the top of the F1G arm of Liberty, the American conglomerate that bought the sport in 2017.
Renee Wilm (pictured) is a leading candidate to become F1’s second-highest director
Wilm (left) could work with Formula 1 Group (F1G) chief Stefano Domenicali.
As Mail Sport reported a month ago, there was uncertainty over Domenicali’s future, although his position now appears to be considerably more secure. The Italian, who is popular with the teams, will work with the new Liberty CE0 – possibly Wilm. It is believed she will at least get a seat on the company’s advisory board.
One question asked by a well-placed F1 insider on Thursday was whether Domenicali will retain control of the commercial side of the sport. If so, the Italian will emerge stronger from the turmoil.
Wilm, 50, is a former New York-based mergers and acquisitions lawyer who rose to partner at global firm Baker Botts. She is employed by Liberty Media as Chief Legal and Administrative Officer, based in Englewood, Colorado, and also manages their Grand Prix in Las Vegas – a night race that F1G/Liberty fully promotes and in which they have raised $500 million (£394 million) invested. . They are convinced that they can more than recoup the costs. Internally it is considered a success, with Wilm’s acumen highly regarded.
For the time being, John Malone, the 83-year-old founder and chairman of billionaire Liberty, will again act as interim CEO. The emergency measure indicates that he was not fully prepared for Maffei’s departure and is still busy arranging a permanent successor.
Formula 1 is one of the many activities in which Liberty Media has or has had an interest. The Atlanta Braves, of Major League Baseball, were among their franchises until last year.
In April 2024, Liberty Media announced their plans to acquire 86 percent of Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holder of MotoGP. Following the acquisition, Liberty Media will own not only MotoGP, but also WorldSBK and their respective support series. Liberty also owned SiriusXM Radio, although it now stands alone.
Another new CEO could emerge from these other companies under (or previously under) Liberty’s media, communications, sports and entertainment umbrella.
But while no one at F1G wanted to comment on Thursday evening, Wilm appears to be in charge at the moment.
It’s not guaranteed that Greg Maffei will leave his position, but Wilm is in pole position to replace him if he does
Monaco remains an iconic event
Some online dissatisfaction among Mail Sport readers over Monaco signing a new deal to host the world’s most iconic Grand Prix until 2031.
I’m biased – I go there every year, and it remains the race that, if I could attend just one in my life, I would choose over any other.
Granted, except in wet conditions it is a procession. But as you watch the cars drive along the circuit, as they weave their way through the principality’s barrier-lined, narrow streets, you’ll be amazed at the dexterity with which magical drivers both speed up and slow down their barely believable fleet of machines. Standing by the pool area is an education.
Perhaps TV, for all it can convey so dramatically and realistically, cannot convey the experience on the spot.
Monaco remains an iconic racing venue and I am pleased that races will continue there until at least 2031
Trouble brewing at Aston Martin
Dan Fallows is stepping down as technical director of Aston Martin. I – and a journalist from another media outlet – presented it to the team in September. It was denied at the time. It was confirmed this week.
I believe that the refusal was made in good faith. However, I can further reveal, without asking for official confirmation this time guys, that Adrian Newey, who is heading to Aston next year, did not hold Fallows in particularly high regard due to their time together at Red Bull.
There may be a broader problem brewing here. Andy Cowell has been appointed as CEO to replace Martin Whitmarsh. Cowell worked at Mercedes and is a ‘process man’. Newey, an idiosyncratic genius, is not.
We’ll see how they square that circle.
Dan Fallows has quit as technical director at Aston Martin and problems have been looming for some time
Russell deserves recognition
George Russell is quietly performing something extraordinary.
I bow to no one in my admiration for Lewis Hamilton’s obvious abilities as a driver. Still, Russell Hamilton leads the standings. Only just, two points difference, but 16-5 in terms of qualifying.
I understand that Hamilton has clocked out at Mercedes. His thoughts are on Ferrari, and he can hardly be the flavor of the month when he is told Toto Wolff feels hurt by his decision to move after telling Netflix that red would not suit his champion. He doesn’t necessarily get the best cards.
Despite all these caveats, who is the most underrated driver in the sport right now? George Russell.