Andretti Global is grateful of 12 members of US Congress members coming at their aide after their letter to FOM about F1 rejection.
Andretti has written a thankful note to the 12 members of US Congress members, who have written to Formula One Management regarding the F1 rejection of the American team. Here’s what the team wrote about the letter:
“We are grateful to the bipartisan members of Congress for their support in challenging this anti-competitive behavior. We remain committed to bringing the first US works team and power unit to F1 and to giving American fans a home team to root for. It is our hope that this can be resolved swiftly so that Andretti Cadillac can take its rightfully approved place on the grid in 2026. Our work continues at pace.”
Here’s what was written in the letter –
“We write to express our concerns with apparent anti-competitive actions that could prevent two American companies, Andretti Global and General Motors (GM), from producing and competing in Formula 1. This partnership, which includes GM and the thousands of its workers who we represent, would showcase exceptional American engineering and design skills, including the production of the only American-built and designed engine (power unit) in Formula 1.
“Last year, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the sole and independent arbiter of entry into Formula 1, approved Andretti Global to enter Formula 1 racing starting in 2026. However, despite FIA’s approval of the Andretti Global partnership, Formula One Management (FOM), the commercial rights holder owned by Liberty Media Corporation, rejected Andretti Global’s admission.
“FOM’s rejection appears to be driven by the current line-up of European Formula 1 race teams, many of which are affiliated with foreign automobile manufacturers that directly compete with American automotive companies like GM. It is unfair and wrong to attempt to block American companies from joining Formula 1, which could also violate American antitrust laws.
“Participation of all Formula 1 teams- including any American teams—should be based on merit and not just limited to protecting the current line-up of race teams. This is especially true considering Formula l’s growing presence in the United States, including three grand prix motoring racing events in Miami, Florida; Austin, Texas; and Las Vegas, Nevada.
As Members of Congress, we request your responses to the following questions:
- Under what authority does FOM proceed to reject admission of Andretti Global? What is the rationale for FOM’s rejection, especially with respect to Andretti Global and its partner GM, potentially being the first American-owned and America-built race team?
- The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 outlaws unreasonable restraints on market competition to produce the best outcome for the American consumer. How does FOM’s denial of Andretti Global and GM, American-owned companies, square with Sherman Act requirements, since the decision will benefit incumbent European racing teams and their foreign automobile manufacturing affiliates?
- We understand that GM intends to re-introduce its Cadillac brand into the European market, which would support thousands of good-paying American automotive jobs, especially with Formula 1’s worldwide audience and its halo effect on its teams and sponsors. How much did GM’s and Andretti’s entrance into racing competition taking a portion of the racing market share and GM’s entry into the European market taking market share each play into the decision to deny admission to the Andretti Global team, given the public outcry of incumbent Formula 1 teams against a new American competitor?”
We request your response by May 3rd, 2024, as we continue to exercise oversight on this matter, and with the appropriate federal regulators, to ensure that any potential violations of US anti-competition law are expeditiously investigated and pursued.
Sincerely,
John James, member of congress
Donald G Davis, member of congress
Jim Banks, member of congress
Jake Ellzey, member of congress
Morgan Luttrell, member of congress
Erin Houchin, member of congress
Andrea Carson, member of congress
Jared Moskowitz, member of congress
Rudy Yakym III, member of congress
Ronny L Jackson, member of congress
Daniel T Kildee, member of congress
Haley M Stevens, member of congress
Here’s Andretti opening up its Silverstone facility
Here’s General Motors on the situation
Here’s Andretti Cadillac giving some clarification
Here’s link to a F1 Discord channel, join in to interact
[Note: The story is as per press release]
