Formula 1 has been accused of finding excuses to reject Andretti and General Motors’ application for a new entry, according to a senior US politician who questions whether the entire Formula 1 model is flawed. The rejection of the GM-backed Andretti Cadillac entry has faced increased scrutiny due to mounting political pressure in the US. Andretti Global’s plans for a 2026 F1 team have been in limbo since the commercial rights holder dismissed their application, despite the FIA initially giving them approval in October last year. Despite being blocked, Andretti has continued with preparations and engaged in discussions with Formula One Management in hopes of reconsideration. Gaining political support in the US seems to be crucial to their cause.
A dozen US politicians, including 1978 world champion Mario Andretti, have signed a letter calling for more information about the rejection of Andretti’s team and expressing concerns about F1’s refusal to expand the grid, which they perceive as “cartel-like behavior.” They argue that blocking American companies from joining Formula 1 may violate American antitrust laws. Furthermore, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Jim Jordan, has sent a letter demanding answers from Liberty Media and F1’s presidents and CEOs. Jordan believes that if F1 must hinder competition and harm consumers to protect failing competitors, then the entire Formula 1 model may be broken and cannot hide behind the necessity of a sports league to engage in anticompetitive conduct. The Committee on the Judiciary, authorized to oversee matters related to the protection of trade and commerce against unlawful restraints and monopolies, believes it has the authority to investigate F1 due to sports leagues operating in an area of antitrust law.
Jordan asserts that F1 is rejecting Andretti without valid reasons and that even a one-year delay in their entry would harm American consumers to benefit failing F1 teams. While the reasons for this belief are unclear, it likely stems from the anticipated interest in watching Andretti Cadillac compete. The reference to “failing” teams most likely alludes to teams that do not regularly compete for wins and podiums, which F1 used as a benchmark to judge Andretti Cadillac’s potential competitiveness. Jordan argues that limiting the number of teams in F1 will increase the cost of sponsoring or buying into an existing team. As the Committee examines this matter and considers potential legislation regarding sports leagues’ structure and competition, they request a briefing on the decision to deny Andretti Cadillac’s application and related documents and communications.
F1 has until May 21 to respond to Jordan’s letter. While F1 has not publicly commented on the matter, Andretti Global is pleased that an investigation into Liberty and FOM’s practices has been initiated. F1’s rejection of Andretti’s application was based on the belief that an 11th team would not provide value on its own and that being competitive is the most significant way to do so. F1 is concerned that being compelled to use a power unit supply could damage the championship’s prestige. F1 also argues that adding an 11th team would burden race promoters, increase costs, and reduce the spaces for existing competitors. F1 claims that it cannot identify any expected positive effect on Liberty Media’s financial results from Andretti’s entry.
While discussions have taken place between the parties, little progress has been made. Andretti’s entry is focused on 2026, despite initially expressing interest in 2025, which was one of F1’s reasons for rejection. Andretti is unwilling to change its plans for a 2026 entry and sees competing in 2026 and 2027 as necessary before adopting the GM works engine in 2028. As the impasse continues, political interference in the US has likely been encouraged by the lack of progress in dialogue. Andretti continues to push forward with its plans, including establishing a UK base alongside its primary site in Indiana and GM’s technology center.
F1 did not completely close the door on Andretti with its rejection. The possibility of a GM works engine in 2028 was mentioned, suggesting that F1 may reconsider in the future. However, it remains to be seen if F1 is serious about this proposal and if Andretti is willing to drop its 2026 ambitions. The question remains whether F1 is bluffing or genuinely interested in Andretti’s entry.