American Congress questions F1 about Andretti’s refusal to enter the category

May 8, 2024 09:30

Andretti Global’s entry into Formula 1 has gained a new chapter. Jim Jordan, chairman of the Judiciary Committee of the United States House of Representatives, sent a letter to the directors of Liberty Media, owner of F1, requesting documents related to the American team’s joining process.

It is worth remembering that Andretti, despite having received approval from the FIA, had its request denied by Formula 1 last October. Last week, twelve US congressmen had already sent a letter expressing concerns about possible violations of antitrust laws.

Jordan, who is a Republican, cites the importance of the Judiciary Committee in evaluating the application of competition laws and stands against monopoly. He questions the reasons given by F1 for refusing Andretti, arguing that the new team’s supposed lack of competitiveness is not sustainable, as several teams on the current grid do not fight for victories.

The congressman considers F1’s justifications ‘pretextual’ and believes that the category is prioritizing financial interests. He agrees with Congress’s previous view that resistance to an 11th team constitutes an ‘anti-competition’ model.

In addition to documents about the Andretti lawsuit, Jordan requested access to communications between F1 and current teams relating to the entry of new teams. The request also includes information on anti-dilution fees provided for in the Concorde Pact, a commercial agreement between F1 and the category’s teams. Liberty Media has until May 21 to provide the requested information.

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