Andretti F1 twist as DOJ launches antitrust investigation of Liberty Media

The Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice has officially opened an antitrust investigation against Liberty Media.

Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei confirmed this morning that his company is officially under investigation for refusing to allow Andretti Global to compete in the Formula 1 World Championship.

Antitrust charges against Liberty Media over Andretti F1

In January 2024, Formula One announced that Andretti Global’s bid to enter the series as its 11th team had been rejected. Officials argued that the company would not add any additional value to Formula One and that the team’s proposal was insufficiently prepared.

Fans went crazy over the news, but the saga continues.

Before the Miami Grand Prix, Mario Andretti—father of Andretti Global boss Michael Andretti—visited Capitol Hill, where U.S. lawmakers announced they were considering an antitrust investigation into Liberty Media for refusing Andretti. The explanation largely centered on the involvement of General Motors, which intended to supply Andretti with powertrains through its Cadillac brand.

Lawmakers argued that by denying Andretti access to Formula One, they were effectively depriving the American brand of the opportunity to compete internationally.

Shortly afterwards, at the Miami Grand Prix, Mario Andretti claimed that Greg Maffei approached him and said: “Mario, I want to tell you that I will do everything in my power to make sure Michael never gets into Formula One.”

Now Maffei has confirmed that the Justice Department has opened an investigation.

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“We announced this morning that the Department of Justice is conducting an investigation,” Greg Maffei said on a call with investors, as quoted by Speed ​​Café.

“We intend to cooperate fully with the investigation, including all requests for information.

“Our determination, the F1 determination, complied with all applicable U.S. antitrust laws. We have provided detailed reasons for our decision in the Andretti case in previous statements.”

“We are certainly not against the idea that any expansion is bad,” he added.

“There is an expansion methodology that requires the approval of the FIA ​​and F1.

“We are definitely open to new participants applying and potentially being accepted if these requirements are met.”

At this point, the Justice Department investigation will focus on gathering documents before the case goes to a grand jury.

PlanetF1.com has contacted the Department of Justice for comment on the matter.

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