Force India and Sauber withdraw EU complaint

Force India and Sauber have officially withdrawn a complaint made to the European Commision (EU) regarding anti-competitive practices in Formula 1. The complaint was filed back in 2015, when Bernie Ecclestone still ruled over the sport.

However, in the wake of Liberty Media's acquisition, both Force India and Sauber have expressed satisfaction in the direction the American company is looking to take the sport. In the last 12 months, its leaders have spoken about cost-cutting measures which would benefit teams with lesser budgets.

"We have been greatly encouraged by the dialogue that has been introduced following the appointment of Chase Carey as Executive Chairman and CEO of the Formula 1 commercial rights holder and his new management team," read a joint statement from Force India and Sauber.

"Their approach has brought a new culture of transparency to the sport and illustrates willingness to debate fundamental issues such as the distribution of the prize fund monies, cost control and engine regulations," the statement continued. "We are encouraged and reassured by the even-handed and fair negotiating approach taken by the new management of Formula 1 to all the teams and their issues.

"While the concerns leading to the compliant were fully justified, we believe this new approach provides the necessary degree of assurance that our concerns will be looked at objectively, and we prefer to resolve the issues facing the sport through dialogue rather than a legal dispute."