A bipartisan group of Congress members is demanding explanations from Formula One owner Liberty Media following the exclusion of an American team backed by racing legend Mario Andretti from the prestigious motor racing series.
The FIA, Formula One’s governing body, initially approved Andretti Global‘s bid to join the grid. However, Formula One Management (FOM), the commercial rights holder of the sport, rejected Andretti’s planned entry, citing concerns that the team would not be competitive in time for upcoming races. F1 cited several competitive concerns, stating that “the presence of an 11th team would not, in and of itself, provide value to the championship.”
In a letter addressed to Liberty president and CEO Greg Maffei, 12 U.S. representatives expressed “concerns with the apparent anti-competitive actions that could prevent two American companies, Andretti Global and General Motors (GM), from producing and competing in Formula 1.”
The partnership between Andretti Global and General Motors would have introduced the only American-built and designed engine into Formula One, according to the letter. The lawmakers accused FOM of potentially violating American antitrust laws, stating it is “unfair and wrong to attempt to block American companies from joining Formula 1.”
Rep. John James, a Republican from Michigan where General Motors is headquartered, spearheaded the effort. The letter is endorsed by 11 other representatives — both Democrats and Republicans — from Texas, North Carolina, Indiana, and Florida. The legislators posed three questions to Liberty Media, seeking clarification on how FOM‘s rejection aligns with the requirements of the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 and the rationale behind Andretti’s team dismissal.
The letter inquired, “The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 outlaws unreasonable restraints on market competition to produce the best outcome for the American consumer. How does FOM‘s denial of Andretti Global and GM, American-owned companies, square with Sherman Act requirements, since the decision will benefit incumbent European racing teams and their foreign automobile manufacturing affiliates?”
Andretti, a former Formula One world champion, engaged with members of the House to garner support for his team and advocated for his team’s inclusion in the sport at a press conference outside the Capitol. “We want to be able to represent the United States on a world stage in Formula One,” Andretti emphasized. “We have all the tools available; all we need is the absolute green light.”
“America demands its due. If you want access to our markets, if you want access to our fans, you must grant access to our companies, you must grant access to our automotive workers, you must grant access to Americans themselves,” Rep. James asserted. Liberty Media declined to comment on ABC News‘ request. Formula One’s fanbase in the U.S. has seen significant growth, and Andretti‘s lobbying visit to Congress coincides with this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.
“Participation of all Formula 1 including any American should be based on merit and not just limited to protecting the current lineup of race teams. This is especially true considering Formula 1’s growing presence in the United States, including three Grand Prix motor racing events in Miami, Florida; Austin, Texas; and Las Vegas, Nevada,” the representatives’ letter emphasizes.
