Formula 1 News: Andretti engages US Congress to help F1 entry

(GMM) A group of US congress members are challenging Formula 1’s decision to lock Andretti-Cadillac out of the sport.

While the FIA green-lit American racing icon Michael Andretti’s bid to field an eleventh team, the Liberty Media-owned F1 commercial rights holders said no.

Andretti, however, says preparations for a 2026 debut continue “at pace”, with that work now backed by a bipartisan group of 12 lawmakers.

Michael Andretti’s father Mario, the legendary 1978 world champion, fronted the media outside the US Capitol with John James, a representative for Michigan’s 10th congressional district.

And the other eleventh congressmen joined him in signing a letter to Liberty Media outlining their “concerns with the apparent anti-competitive actions that could prevent two American companies, Andretti Global and General Motors, from producing and competing in Formula 1”.

NBC News reported: “They invoked the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 and sought answers for the rationale for rejecting the team, including whether it is designed to unfairly protect the European teams from competition in the US, where the fan base has grown dramatically.”

Mario Andretti, meanwhile, told reporters: “We’re ready with everything that’s needed. Give us a green light and let us do our thing.

“Our team, Andretti Global, is part of every major racing discipline in the world. Formula 1 is the one that’s left. And we want to be part of that.”

Congressman James described Liberty Media’s behavior as “cartel-like”.

“From the outside looking in, one can ask ‘Is this a money grab?’ Is Formula 1 kicking the can down the road for a different agreement, so that they can go from $200 million to $1 billion dollars extracted from Andretti-Cadillac?” he said.

James said he hopes the situation can be resolved, “But if not, we will have our questions answered. And those who are seeking to take advantage will be held accountable.”

Andretti officials are tipped to meet with their F1 counterparts this weekend at the Miami GP.

Andretti Global said in a statement: “We are grateful to the bipartisan members of Congress for their support in challenging this anti-competitive behavior.

“It is our hope that this can be resolved swiftly so that Andretti-Cadillac can take its rightfully approved place on the grid in 2026.”

May 1, 2024

Rep. John James (R-Mich.) is leading a bipartisan group of members demanding answers from the owners of Formula 1 on why the Mario Andretti-backed General Motors team was denied admission to the prestigious racing series.

The members wrote to the head of Liberty Media Corporation, CEO Greg Maffei— which controls Formula 1 — and said the denial represents “anti-competitive actions.”

The letter also accuses Formula One Management of potentially violating antitrust laws and bowing to the influence of European race teams.

The team, a combination of Andretti Global and General Motors, would have competed with the first American-built and designed engine in Formula 1 history. Andretti met with House members on the Hill on Tuesday to lobby support for his team. He was escorted by Miller Strategies, which is run by GOP super-lobbyist Jeff Miller.

Bipartisan Members of Congress Send questions to Liberty Media

Reps. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), Dan Kildee (D-Mich.) and Reps. Don Davis (D-NC), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Jake Ellzey (R-TX), Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), Erin Houchin (R-Ind.), André Carson (D-Ind.), Rudy Yakym III (R-Ind.), Ronny Jackson (R-TX), ) and Haley Stevens (D-Mich.).

The letter included three questions for Liberty Media and requested they respond by Friday, May 3. They read as follows:

“Under the Concorde Agreement, Formula 1’s governing document, up to 12 teams can participate. Currently, there are 10 teams competing in Formula 1 races. Previously, the FIA launched and led a comprehensive application process with the purpose of allowing one or more prospective teams to join Formula 1 racing series. Andretti Global, with its partner GM, submitted an application, and after receiving four applications, the FIA approved Andretti Global. Under what authority does FOM proceed to reject admission of Andretti Global? What is the rationale for FOM’s rejection, especially with respect to Andretti Global and its partner GM, potentially being the first American-owned and America-built race team?”
“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?”
“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?”

James hosted a press conference on the Hill yesterday with Andretti about his team’s exclusion from F1.

F1, IndyCar and NASCAR driver Mario Andretti speaks on Capitol Hill alongside Rep. John James (R-MI), Rep. Greg Pence (R-IN) and Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN). The Andrettis are trying to bring an American team to F1 with American-made GM motors. pic.twitter.com/nFu5PUswTw

— Laura K. Garrison (@laurakgarrison) May 1, 2024

Andretti Global Response

We are grateful to the bipartisan members of Congress for their support in challenging this anti-competitive behavior.

We remain committed to bringing the first US works team and power unit to F1 and to giving American fans a home team to root for.

It is our hope that this can be resolved swiftly so that Andretti Cadillac can take its rightfully approved place on the grid in 2026.

Our work continues at pace.