Formula 1 teams are to be given the chance to buy shares in the sport for the first time following a takeover by US giant Liberty Media.

The first stage of a buyout was completed on Wednesday, with Liberty taking 18.7% in a deal that values F1 at $8bn (£6.25bn).

The full takeover, which will see Liberty with a controlling 35.3% stake, is due to be completed by early 2017.

Liberty said teams “will be given the opportunity to participate in the investment”, adding that some had expressed interest.

The leading Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren teams are considered the most likely to take up the opportunity.

Bernie Ecclestone, the current boss of F1, is to remain on board as chief executive.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, a close ally of Ecclestone, said the takeover “feels like a positive move and the ongoing involvement of Bernie Ecclestone as CEO is key to that”.

He added: “Bernie’s been central to every development of Formula 1 for the past 40-odd years. He will be intrinsic to the new owners establishing themselves and being able to lead the sport successfully in the future.”

A McLaren spokesman said: “It is obviously a significant development, which has only just occurred, but from what we already understand we are confident that it will be a positive step for Formula 1.”

Ecclestone, 85, will work alongside the new chairman, US media magnate Chase Carey, who is a long-time lieutenant of media mogul Rupert Murdoch.

Carey said the aim of the takeover was to expand the sport and extend its reach.

“The opportunity is to grow and develop this sport for the benefit of the fans, teams, partners and our shareholders by increasing promotion and marketing of Formula 1 as a sport and brand,” he said.

“Enhancing the distribution of content, especially in digital – currently a very small percentage of revenue.”

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