Andretti-Cadillac’s bid to join Formula 1 as the eleventh team was denied due to a lack of perceived value for the sport. Michael Andretti’s ambitious attempt to enter the F1 scene for the 2026 season, with the support of US carmaker General Motors and the Cadillac brand, was rejected by Formula One Management (FOM). The decision has sparked dissatisfaction among members of the US Congress, who have expressed concerns about what they perceive as an unfair and anti-competitive action.
In a letter addressed to the CEO of Liberty Media, the US Congress conveyed their disappointment with the rejection of Andretti-Cadillac’s bid. They argue that this decision hindered the participation of two American companies, Andretti Global and General Motors, in Formula 1. The Congress further suggests that FOM’s choice may have been influenced by the existing European manufacturers in the sport, who compete against American companies on a global scale. This rejection is seen as an unjust attempt to block American involvement and potentially violates US anti-trust laws. It is worth noting that Formula 1 is publicly listed on the US stock market.
The letter emphasizes that the approval of any F1 team should be based solely on merit, rather than protecting the current grid. The Congress also points out the sport’s expansion in the US, with three races already on the calendar. Seeking answers, 12 members of the US Congress have posed three questions to Liberty Media. Firstly, they inquire about the reasoning behind FOM’s decision to reject Andretti-Cadillac, despite the potential for it to be the first American-owned and American-built F1 team. While the is indeed American-owned, it heavily relies on Italian entities such as Ferrari and Dallara.
The Congress cites the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, which prohibits unreasonable restrictions on competition, and questions whether the rejection of Andretti’s bid aligns with this law. They argue that denying Andretti-Cadillac’s entry would inevitably benefit the current European manufacturers in Formula 1. Lastly, the Congress raises concerns about General Motors’ efforts to reintroduce Cadillac in Europe and queries if this influenced FOM’s decision. As of now, Formula 1 has not provided a direct response to this letter.
The rejection of Andretti-Cadillac’s bid has captured the attention of the US Congress, with the American government expressing dissatisfaction towards FOM’s decision to exclude an American team from the grid. However, Andretti-Cadillac is actively attempting to renegotiate and aims to enter the sport by 2026. The outcome of this dispute between the American bid and the pinnacle of motorsport remains uncertain.