US politicians are threatening to investigate Formula 1 for anti-competitive business practices on the eve of its first race of the year in the United States after the sport rejected Andretti Global’s bid to join the grid.
In an open letter addressed to Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei, 12 members of US Congress are demanding that F1 answer three questions before the start of this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix or risk an inquiry on antitrust grounds.
Andretti Global, backed by former F1 racer Michael Andretti and tied up with General Motors, was the only one of four bids approved by the FIA last year. However, Formula 1 Management (FOM) barred the team from entry in a controversial decision in January.
The rejection has sparked outrage among US politicians, who accuse F1 of protecting existing European teams and their associated car businesses at the expense of American companies like GM. The politicians argue that F1’s decision could violate American antitrust laws and prejudice American business interests.
Congressman John James, leading the push for transparency over Andretti’s blocked bid, questioned whether F1’s rejection was a money grab. He emphasized the commitment shown by Andretti-Cadillac and called for access to American markets for American companies.
Mario Andretti, confident in the team’s readiness for F1, expressed the passion and resolve necessary to compete in the sport. Andretti Global remains undeterred by the controversy, with plans to build a new F1-capable factory near Indianapolis and open its UK headquarters near Silverstone.
The team is aiming to join the grid under the new regulations in 2026, with a power unit supply pre-agreement in place with Renault. Despite F1’s resistance, Andretti Global continues to push for entry into the prestigious racing series.