F1 News: New investigation launched into bosses over Andretti rejection

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New INVESTIGATION launched into F1's Andretti rejection

Andretti's bid to join the F1 grid in 2026 was rejected earlier this year

Kevin McKenna

Thursday 9 May 2024 09:12

The fallout from Andretti Global's failed attempt to join the Formula 1 grid is set to rumble on, with an investigation into the rejection now set to be launched.

An initial bid for Andretti to enter the sport in 2026 was rejected earlier this year by Formula One Management (FOM), who claimed that the addition of an 11th team would not substantially benefit the championship.

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The team, owned by former F1 driver Michael Andretti, has already opened a Silverstone facility, with Michael's father Mario revealing at the Miami Grand Prix that they are pushing ahead with their plans in spite of their unsuccessful bid.

F1 chief Stefano Domenicali may have questions to answer

Mario Andretti has revealed the team are moving ahead with their plans

Questions being asked on Andretti bid

Questions are now being asked of F1 bosses by Jim Jordan - chairman of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee - who is demanding more clarity on the exact reasons behind the decision, according to reports.

In a letter addressed to Greg Maffei, the president and CEO of Liberty Media, and Stefano Domenicali, the president and CEO of Formula One Group, Jordan has requested a number of documents and accused the sport's bosses of 'anti-competitive conduct'.

The letter, supposedly obtained by NBC News, reads: "Delaying Andretti Cadillac’s entry into Formula One for even one year will harm American consumers to benefit failing Formula One teams.

“Limiting the number of teams in Formula One will increase the price of sponsoring or buying into an existing Formula One team.

"As the Committee examines this matter and considers potential legislation around the structure and competition of sports leagues, we write to request a staff-level briefing on the decision to deny Andretti Cadillac’s application to join Formula One.”

Miami Grand Prix Stefano Domenicali Mario Andretti Formula One Management Andretti Global Michael Andretti