Major Shake-Up at Liberty Media: John Malone Steps Down as Chairman!
In a stunning turn of events, Liberty Media, the powerhouse behind Formula 1’s commercial rights, has announced a seismic shift in its leadership hierarchy. John C. Malone, the visionary founder of Liberty Media since the early 1990s, will officially step down from his role as chairman of the board effective January 1, 2026. This monumental change marks the end of an era for the media mogul who has played a pivotal role in the company’s evolution and success.
Transitioning from his chairman position, Malone will take on the title of Chairman Emeritus, allowing him to remain involved while stepping back from the day-to-day operations. The reins will be handed over to seasoned executive Robert Bennett, who has been serving as vice chairman and is steeped in Liberty Media’s history, having joined the board as a director in 1994 and sitting on the executive committee for over 15 years.
Reflecting on his decision, Malone expressed, “Founding Liberty Media and serving as its Chairman has been among the most rewarding experiences of my professional life.” He emphasized that the recent successful simplification of the company’s portfolio, coupled with the robust positioning of its operating businesses, made it the right time for him to relinquish certain obligations. Malone expressed his confidence in Bennett’s capabilities, stating, “Dob has been involved in all key decisions throughout Liberty Media’s history, and I am confident that Liberty is well-positioned for the future.”
Bennett, who is poised to take on this critical role, expressed deep gratitude towards Malone, stating, “I want to thank John for more than three decades of partnership and mentorship.” He acknowledged Malone’s unparalleled legacy as a visionary business leader and expressed his commitment to carrying forward the torch of leadership at Liberty Media.
This leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment as Liberty Media continues to navigate the competitive landscape of the media and entertainment industry. With Bennett at the helm, the company is expected to pursue innovative strategies and maintain its stronghold in the market.
As the motorsport world remains abuzz with the aftermath of the recent Mexico City Grand Prix, where Lando Norris clinched a thrilling victory and Max Verstappen solidified his title contention, all eyes will be on how this significant change in leadership impacts Liberty Media’s future direction and its ambitious plans for Formula 1 and beyond. The stage is set for a new chapter in the legacy of Liberty Media, and the industry watches eagerly as these changes unfold.








