Andretti-Cadillac denied entry into Formula 1 as the eleventh team due to perceived lack of value to the sport. Michael Andretti’s ambitious attempt to enter the F1 scene for the 2026 season, with the support of American manufacturer General Motors and Cadillac brand, was rejected by Formula One Management (FOM). The decision has caused dissatisfaction among members of the United States Congress, who have expressed concerns about what they perceive as unfair and anti-competitive action.
In a letter addressed to the CEO of Liberty Media, the United States Congress expressed their disappointment with the rejection of the Andretti-Cadillac proposal. 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 existing European manufacturers in the sport, who compete against American companies on a global scale. This rejection is seen as an unfair attempt to block American involvement and potentially violate US antitrust 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 highlights the sport’s expansion in the United States, with three races already on the calendar. Seeking answers, 12 members of the United States Congress posed three questions to Liberty Media. Firstly, they inquire about the reasoning behind FOM’s decision to reject Andretti-Cadillac, despite the potential to be the first F1 team owned and built by Americans. Although the team is indeed American-owned, it relies heavily on Italian entities such as Ferrari and Dallara.
Congress cites the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, which prohibits unfair restrictions on competition, and questions whether the rejection of the Andretti proposal is aligned with this law. They argue that denying entry to Andretti-Cadillac would inevitably benefit current European manufacturers in Formula 1. Finally, Congress raises concerns about General Motors’ efforts to reintroduce Cadillac in Europe and questions whether this influenced the decision of the FOM. So far, Formula 1 has not directly responded to this letter.
The rejection of the Andretti-Cadillac proposal has caught the attention of the United States Congress, with the American government expressing dissatisfaction with the FOM’s decision to exclude an American team from the grid. However, Andretti-Cadillac is actively trying to renegotiate and aims to enter the sport by 2026. The outcome of this dispute between the American proposal and the pinnacle of motorsport remains uncertain.
