US Congress have written a letter to Formula One and Liberty Media. They are demanding an explanation over Andretti’s bid to enter F1 being rejected.
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The letter signed by 12 member’s of Congress, brings concerns with “apparent anti-competitive actions that could prevent two American companies, Andretti Global and General Motors, from producing and competing in F1.”
Andretti applied to enter F1 back in February 2024. They were hoping to come into F1 in either 2025 or 2026 with GM’s brand Cadillac.
The governing body of F1, the FIA, approved Andretti’s bid.
However, the Formula one management (FOM) stopped Andretti’s goal of coming into F1 in it’s tracks.
FOM claimed that Andretti would not bring enough value to the sport and instead F1 would only be increasing Andretti’s value.
Also saying that they could not be competitive in such a short time and it would put a financial strain on the Sport. Despite having the allowance for 12 teams in the Concorde agreement.
They left the door open for Andretti to retry in 2028. However, only if it could convince General Motors to build the engine, not just coming in as a technical partner.
Mario Andretti, son of Andretti team boss and 1978 world champion, was present at Capitol Hill to support the letter.
Addressed to Liberty Media boss, Greg Maffei and it alleges that the FOM reasoning. “Appears to be driven by the current line-up of European Formula 1 race teams.” Claiming that the current teams have manufacturers that, “directly compete with American Automotive companies.”
Congress claimed that “it is unfair and wrong to attempt to block American companies from joining Formula 1, which could also violate American antitrust laws.”
Congress’ 3 key questions with responses wanted by 3rd of May.
- “Under what authority does the FOM proceed to reject Andretti Global? What is the rationale, especially with respect to Andretti Global and it’s partner GM, potentially being the first American owned and America-built team?”
2. “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?”
3. “We understand that GM intends to re-introduce its Cadillac brand into the European market, which would support thousands of good-paying American automotive jobs, especially with Formula 1’s worldwide audience and its halo effect on its teams and sponsors. How much did GM’s and Andretti’s entrance into racing competition taking a portion of the racing market share and GM’s entry into the European market taking market share each play into the decision to deny admission to the Andretti Global team, given the public outcry of incumbent Formula 1 teams against a new American competitor?”
F1 have not commented on the letter.
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