US Congress is taking on F1 for ‘cartel-like behaviour’
In a bombshell that the world’s most-popular motorsport could do without, US Congress is taking on F1. Accused of ‘cartel-like behaviour’ in locking Andretti-Cadillac out of the sport. New revelations have come to light this week. Specifically, while the FIA green-lit American racing icon Michael Andretti’s bid to field an eleventh team in 2025, the Liberty Media-owned F1 commercial rights holders said no to the deal.
US CONGRESS IS TAKING ON F1
Mario Andretti outside the US Capitol building this week, announcing news that US Congress is taking on F1. Image: Getty
Always the optimist, Andretti, says preparations for a 2026 debut continue at pace. With his 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 building. He was joined by John James, a representative for Michigan’s 10th congressional district.
And eleven more congressmen joined him in signing a letter to F1 rights holders Liberty Media. In it they outlined their concerns over apparent anti-competitive actions. They say they are preventing two American companies, Andretti Global and General Motors, from competing in Formula 1.
ANTITRUST ACT
Andretti-Cadillac could’ve been the eleventh team on the F1 grid in 2025. Image: File
An NBC News report said, “They’re invoking the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 and sought answers for the rationale for rejecting the team for 2025. 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, rather than worrying about US congress taking on F1, they’re ready with to compete. “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 only one that’s left. And we want to be part of that,” said Andretti.
CARTEL-LIKE BEHAVIOUR
Andretti Global’s headquarters in Silverstone. Image: Andretti Global/X
Congressman James described Liberty Media’s behaviour on the 2025 deal 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 extract not $200 million but $1 billion from Andretti-Cadillac?” he said.
James 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,” said the congressman. Andretti officials will be meeting with their F1 counterparts this weekend at the Miami GP.
Andretti Global concluded with a statement: “We are grateful to the bipartisan members of US Congress for their support in challenging anti-competitive behaviour. It is our hope that this can be resolved so that Andretti-Cadillac can take its rightfully approved place on the grid in 2026.” – with GMM
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