In a shocking twist for Formula 1, incriminating WhatsApp messages from F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali have surfaced, shedding light on the controversial rejection of Andretti Cadillac’s bid to join the grid as the 11th team. The revelations have sent shockwaves through the motorsport world, with the US government now stepping in to investigate the affair.
Andretti Cadillac’s bid, initially approved by the FIA, was blocked by Formula 1’s commercial rights holders, F1 and Liberty Media. The US-backed outfit, supported by General Motors, faced resistance despite its ambitious plans to enhance the grid’s presence in the American market. Following the rejection, the US government launched a probe, questioning the reasons behind the decision. The ongoing investigation has now unearthed a series of explosive messages exchanged between Domenicali and the heads of other F1 teams.
According to F1-Insider, these WhatsApp chats reveal “illegal agreements” orchestrated by Domenicali with various team principals to prevent Andretti’s entry. The alleged collusion has raised questions about the transparency and fairness of the decision-making process within the sport. Should these allegations hold, Formula 1 could face severe legal consequences and may be forced to reconsider its stance on Andretti Cadillac’s participation.
The FIA had greenlit Andretti’s proposal, only for F1 and Liberty Media to intervene. In response, Andretti pursued every available avenue to overturn the decision, even enlisting support from the US government, which lodged a series of inquiries directed at the sport’s governance. The investigation commission, now armed with WhatsApp exchanges, has ample evidence suggesting behind-the-scenes maneuvering to maintain the status quo.
As the investigation unfolds, the leaked chats reveal that multiple team principals were firmly against the inclusion of Andretti Cadillac. The primary concern appears to be that the addition of an 11th team would disrupt the competitive and financial equilibrium of the grid. According to the leaked messages, certain team bosses and Domenicali engaged in discussions that reportedly violated legal agreements, with a clear intention to block Andretti’s entry regardless of the project’s potential value to the sport.
Andretti and Cadillac had expressed their willingness to join the F1 grid by acquiring an existing team if necessary, but they made it clear that they had no intention of abandoning their partnership with General Motors. In response, GM executives doubled down on their commitment to the project, highlighting their two-year investment in developing an F1 power unit and car.
“It’s been a two-year process. We’re heavily developing the power unit and car,” a GM executive stated. “We’ve had positive meetings and remain committed. We’re not backing down; we’ll be there one way or another.”
Despite Andretti’s perseverance, several figures within the sport have voiced concerns over the potential impact of adding a new team. They argue that the grid, already competitive, could become overcrowded with two additional drivers, potentially compromising track safety and racing dynamics. Such resistance makes it unlikely that F1 will reconsider its position unless the US government, bolstered by the findings from the leaked chats, forces the sport’s hand.
The Andretti-Cadillac saga continues to unfold, with the sport’s integrity and governance now under intense scrutiny. Should the investigation confirm illegal collusion, Formula 1 could be compelled to backtrack on its rejection, fundamentally reshaping the future of the grid. As the stakes rise, all eyes are on Domenicali and the other team principals to see if they can weather the storm brewing from this explosive controversy.
