To further promote his family’s cause, Mario Andretti embarked on a journey to Washington.
Formula 1 owners Liberty Media have been described by 12 US lawmakers as using “cartel-type behaviour” by rejecting Andretti from joining the grid.
Earlier this year, Formula One Management (FOM) turned down the American prospective team’s request to join the grid, despite their unsuccessful attempts.
Liberty Media hit with demands from US lawmakers
For years, the Andretti family, led by Mario, the 1978 World Champion, has been striving to secure a place on the grid. Unfortunately, they have encountered numerous obstacles and dead ends in almost every direction they have pursued.
Their latest setback came in February when FOM rejected their appeal before tearing apart their bid and suggesting they did not have what it takes to be competitive.
However, this has not disturbed the American family, as they recently obtained a new headquarters in Silverstone. This move further strengthens their dedication to securing a place on the grid.
After receiving a letter from 12 members of the United States Congress, the owners of FOM, Liberty Media, Mario Andretti has made his way to Washington DC in preparation for the Miami Grand Prix.
The members of Congress have written a letter to Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei, seeking clarification on three specific matters regarding Andretti’s rejection. These include the reasons behind the team’s rejection despite the Concorde Agreement allowing for up to 12 teams, the relationship between FOM’s denial and the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 which prohibits unfair restraints on market competition, and the impact of GM’s and Andretti’s entry into racing competition as well as GM’s entry into the European market on the decision to deny admission to the Andretti Global team. This decision has faced public opposition from existing Formula 1 teams against the introduction of a new American competitor.
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The members of Congress also alleged that F1 denied Andretti’s entry because they were influenced by the existing European Formula 1 teams, several of which have ties to foreign car manufacturers that are direct competitors of American automotive companies such as GM.
The letter further implies that F1’s denial of Andretti could potentially breach American antitrust regulations, emphasizing that involvement in F1 should be determined by merit rather than solely safeguarding the existing race team roster. This assertion holds particular significance given the increasing influence of Formula 1 in the United States, as evidenced by the presence of three grand prix racing events in Miami, Florida; Austin, Texas; and Las Vegas, Nevada.
Congressman John James, speaking at a press conference in Washington with Andretti, criticized Liberty for exhibiting “cartel-like behavior” and alleged that they were delaying in order to secure a more advantageous deal for themselves, even if it meant sacrificing the presence of this iconic race on America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
In addition, he proposed the idea of summoning Liberty Media executives to appear before Congress and provide explanations for their rejection of Andretti’s F1 bid.
PlanetF1.com has reached out to FOM for a response but at time of publication, had not heard back.
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