A contingent of U.S. congress members have criticized Formula 1 for its refusal to allow Andretti-Cadillac to join the pinnacle of motor racing.
Despite the FIA's approval of Michael Andretti's proposal to introduce a new eleventh team to the sport, the Liberty Media group, which holds the commercial rights to F1, declined the application.
Nevertheless, Andretti is moving forward with plans to launch in 2026 "at pace," now supported by a bipartisan coalition of twelve lawmakers.
Outside the US Capitol, Michael Andretti's father, the esteemed 1978 world champion Mario Andretti, stood alongside John James, Michigan's 10th congressional district representative.
Alongside them, eleven other congress members signed a letter directed at Liberty Media, expressing 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."
According to NBC News, "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 conveyed to the press, "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 criticized Liberty Media's approach as "cartel-like."
From his perspective, he questioned, "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 remarked.
James expressed his hope for a resolution, stating, "But if not, we will have our questions answered. And those who are seeking to take advantage will be held accountable."
Representatives from Andretti are expected to engage in discussions with F1 officials at the upcoming Miami GP.
In a statement, Andretti Global thanked the bipartisan congress members for their support against the competitive blockage, adding, "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."
