Is pressure from US Congress going to change F1’s decision on Andretti-Cadillac?

An investigation by the US House of Representatives judiciary committee could finally influence F1 to allow Andretti-Cadillac as an eleventh team on the grid.

Is pressure from US Congress going to change F1’s decision on Andretti-Cadillac?

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

Formula 1 rejected Andretti-Cadillac‘s bid to join the grid despite getting approval from the FIA. The American project could not convince Formula One Management about adding sufficient value to the sport. However, this decision has caught the eye of US lawmakers who demand a fairer process.

Initially, 12 members of the US House of Representatives demanded answers from FOM over this decision. In a letter addressed to Liberty Media, the lawmakers claimed that Andretti-Cadillac’s rejection favored European teams. Moreover, it hampered US giant General Motors’ visibility as the carmaker tried to re-enter Europe.

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Now, Chairman of US House of Representatives judiciary committee and Donald Trump-ally Jim Jordan has hit out at F1. Jordan has launched an investigation into the rejection of Andretti-Cadillac. So far, Formula 1 and Liberty Media have not commented on the actions of the US Congress over this decision. However, it seems that pressure is finally mounting up on FOM. This brings the question, Is pressure from US Congress going to change F1’s decision on Andretti-Cadillac?

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F1 can’t afford to lose the US market

Formula 1 claimed that Andretti-Cadillac’s entry would not add enough to the sport to justify the loss in share of revenue for existing teams. However, Michael Andretti‘s tie-up with General Motors for Cadillac power units along with massive investment has shown that the American outfit would be a serious contender.

Inaugural Las Vegas GP, first held in 2023
Inaugural Las Vegas GP, first held in 2023 (via F1).

The US Congress believes that Andretti-Cadillac’s bid should’ve been accepted considering the legacy of Andretti and GM. It is clear that the lawmakers deem the rejection as anti-competitive against US companies by a predominantly European sport. The US is the priority market for the sport with three American races on the calendar. As such, F1 needs to stay in the good books of the US Congress if it plans to continue its growth.

Existing F1 teams have been against giving Andretti a share of the revenue as an eleventh team. This is believed to be the most influential aspect in the sport’s decision. However, if the sport continues to face pressure from US lawmakers, it might have no choice but to allow Andretti-Cadillac in 2026. Donald Trump’s visit to the Miami GP showed that American politicians are interested in the sport and could have a massive influence on US viewers.

F1 needs to respond to Jim Jordan’s letter by May 21st and give a briefing over Andretti-Cadillac’s rejection. FOM would likely defend its decision in front of US lawmakers. However, Liberty Media and the sport would have a tough time convincing lawmakers over this rejection as it has inevitably benefited European carmakers. Although, US carmaker Ford has joined forces with Red Bull for 2026.

It is clear that F1 will have a tough time trying to make its stance clear to the US Congress. The lawmakers might try to highlight the significance of the American market to the sport which could finally put enough pressure on FOM to allow Andretti-Cadillac as an eleventh team in 2026.

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