Bernie Ecclestone, currently the chief barnacle-encrusted leader of what has become Formula One, has said that the racing series could be sold as early as this year to one of what he says are three interested parties. One of those interested parties is reported to be Stephen Ross, a real estate tycoon [his company owns the Time Warner Center in New York] and owner of the Miami Dolphins NFL franchise who intends to partner with a group from Qatar to purchase the controlling interest [35.5%] from the current Formula One owners, CVC Capital.
Should a sale go through with any of the three parties, Ecclestone has said that he will divest himself of his F1 ownership [5%] but it is expected that he will mandate to any group that purchases Formula One that they will be obligated to keep Ecclestone in charge.
The 2015 Formula One season continues with the Russian Grand Prix at Sochi at 4 a.m. [PDT] on NBCSN on October 11, 2015.