Liberty Media has found itself in deep water with the US authorities after making a contentious move.
The US Department of Justice has launched an inquiry into Liberty Media, which owns the F1 brand, for its handling of the Andretti entry issue.
The American team presently competes in Formula E and IndyCar and has a significant presence in international motorsport. They’ve been striving to enter the F1 grid for a few years, but they stepped up their efforts in 2024, establishing a cutting-edge plant in Silverstone and employing extensively.
Despite proposing a request to join the grid in 2026 that was approved by the FIA, FOM voted against allowing the American team to compete. This was a highly contentious decision, with the outrage magnified by the logic for the call.
Now Liberty Media may face legal action. In an earnings call, CEO and president Greg Maffei informed investors of the current situation, saying, “We intend to fully cooperate with that investigation, including any related request for information.”
“We think our or F1’s conclusion was in accordance with all applicable US antitrust legislation. In previous announcements, we explained why we made this choice in relation to Andretti. We are not opposed to the premise that any expansion is wrong.
There is a system for expansion that requires FIA and F1 clearance, and both organizations must meet certain criteria. And we are very open to new entrants submitting applications and maybe getting authorized provided those standards are met.”
The legal action is not entirely unexpected. Mario Andretti visited the Capitol in May to rally support from the United States Congress. He was successful, and many Senators
With the path to F1 as an 11th team unclear, Andretti has been encouraged to purchase its way onto the grid. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem initially supported the team wholeheartedly, but following their rejection, he changed his stance.
“I would advise them to go and buy another team, not to come as the 11th team,” remarked the coach. “I believe that some teams should be rejuvenated. What’s better? To have 11 teams or 10 that are strong? I still feel we should form additional teams. But no teams. “The correct teams.”