Liberty Media, the parent company of Formula 1, has disclosed that it is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice for its rejection of Andretti Global’s bid to enter the FIA Formula One World Championship. The investigation, opened by the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, is focused on Formula 1’s conduct regarding Andretti Formula Racing’s application. Liberty Media’s President and CEO, Greg Maffei, has stated that the company will fully cooperate with the investigation and believes that its decision to reject Andretti’s application complied with U.S. antitrust laws. Maffei emphasized that Formula 1 has established criteria for expansion, and new entrants can be approved if they meet these requirements.
In response to Liberty Media’s rejection of Andretti’s application, a group of six senators, led by Amy Klobuchar and Mike Lee, requested the antitrust investigation in May. Mario Andretti, the racing legend, visited Washington to garner congressional support for a response to Liberty’s decision. Andretti’s plan was to join the Formula 1 grid as early as next year and partner with Cadillac, potentially bringing General Motors into the championship as a new manufacturer. While the FIA approved Andretti’s application, Liberty Media, which controls the commercial aspects of the sport, blocked it. Liberty Media justified its decision by expressing doubts about Andretti’s ability to become competitive within a short timeframe and questioned the value of their involvement.
Existing teams had mixed reactions to Andretti’s plans, with some opposing the idea due to concerns that an additional team would reduce their income under the current commercial agreement. The Concorde Agreement, which governs Formula 1’s commercial relationship with the teams, will be in effect from 2026 to 2030.
Photo from Mario Andretti Instagram
