Donald Trump’s ally opens investigation into F1’s rejection of Andretti Cadillac bid in US Congress

Formula 1 has faced pressure from US lawmakers over its decision to reject Andretti-Cadillac's entry to the sport.

Donald Trump’s ally opens investigation into F1’s rejection of Andretti Cadillac bid in US Congress

Donald Trump [L] Michael Andretti [C] Stefano Domenicali [R] (images via IMAGO)

Formula 1 has caught the eye of US lawmakers after the sport rejected Andretti-Cadillac’s bid. The American squad aimed to become the eleventh team on the grid. However, Formula One Management (FOM) claimed that Michael Andretti‘s team would not add sufficient value to the sport. Now, the US House of Representatives have launched an investigation into this decision.

Previously, 12 lawmakers had sent a letter to Liberty Media demanding answers for this decision. Jim Jordan, a close ally of ex-President Donald Trump and Chairman of the US House of Representatives judiciary committee launched the new investigation. As per NBC, Jordan addressed a letter to Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

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The letter stated that delaying Andretti-Cadillac’s entry for even a single year would harm American consumers. Moreover, the restriction on the number of teams on the grid would increase the cost of sponsorships or the price for buying into an existing team.

FS Video
Delaying Andretti Cadillac’s entry into Formula One for even one year will harm American consumers to benefit failing Formula One teams.
The letter stated

Jim Jordan sets May 21st deadline for response from F1

The Congressman made it clear that Formula 1 and Liberty Media had to respond to the letter by May 21st. Moreover, the judiciary committee requested for a staff level meeting to understand why Andretti-Cadillac’s bid was rejected by FOM.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem (uae), President of the FIA, DOMENICALI Stefano (ita), Chairman and CEO Formula One Group
Mohammed Ben Sulayem(uae), President of the FIA, DOMENICALI Stefano (ita), Chairman and CEO Formula One Group (Credits: Imago)

It must be noted that Jim Jordan met with Mario Andretti days before the Miami GP. Moreover, Donald Trump was in attendance at the Miami F1 race last weekend. It is clear that US politicians have taken notice of F1’s popularity and are eager to have Andretti-Cadillac compete in the pinnacle of motorsport. Currently, the Haas F1 team is the only American team in the sport, albeit with close ties to Italy’s Ferrari and Dallara.

Chairman Jim Jordan met with Mario Andretti last week. Chairman Jim Jordan is a big Formula 1 fan and watches Drive to Survive, like many Americans.
A source told NBC

Formula 1 and Liberty Media have not commented on Jim Jordan’s letter at the moment. However, Jordan is an influential figure in the US Congress. As such, Stefano Domenicali and Greg Maffei might finally need to reveal the entire process which decided Andretti-Cadillac’s fate. Fans would certainly be looking forward to understand this decision.

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