Pier Silvio Berlusconi says Trump attacks on Meloni offend him and calls Formula 1 TV rights too costly

Pier Silvio Berlusconi, chairman and CEO of MediaForEurope, told reporters he felt “offended” by U.S. President Donald Trump’s criticism of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, adding that he supports the premier as an Italian citizen while stressing the need to balance relations with the United States and Europe. He said Forza Italia will decide its own course and he will not advise the government.

In a separate interview, Berlusconi said MediaForEurope will not pursue Formula 1 broadcasting because the rights are “too expensive,” and that MotoGP could not return to Mediaset without Valentino Rossi. He expressed admiration for Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, calling him “a golden boy” and saying he will remain his fan.