Legal Scrutiny May Open F1 Doors for Andretti-Cadillac

Mounting legal pressure could finally grant Andretti-Cadillac entry into F1, as negotiations intensify across the US and Europe.

Four men under scrutiny by the U.S. government could ultimately lead to Andretti-Cadillac being welcomed onto the Formula 1 grid.

It is well known that after F1 owner Liberty Media blocked Andretti’s FIA-approved bid to become the sport’s eleventh team, U.S. antitrust authorities took notice.

Four prominent F1 figures have been particularly singled out by U.S. authorities: Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll, Red Bull’s Christian Horner, and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

According to multiple sources, the situation has even stalled Domenicali’s contract renewal negotiations.

All four arrived at the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin accompanied by their lawyers, while U.S. judicial authorities were also present at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas.

These officials insisted on video-conference interviews in the near future and reportedly made it clear that any false statements would have serious consequences.

Evidence apparently exists in the form of a WhatsApp group that proves an illegal agreement to exclude Andretti from Formula 1 for financial reasons.

Beyond U.S. investigations, European authorities are also monitoring F1’s antitrust violations under Liberty Media’s leadership. Belgian politician Pascal Arimont has stated his desire for the European Commission to “protect consumers and ensure fair competition.”

Her fellow European Parliament member Christine Anderson followed suit by formally requesting an investigation into F1, stating that “Formula One Group’s rejection of Andretti’s entry despite FIA approval could expose a fundamental conflict of interest” (see here).

She highlighted that existing teams colluding with F1 to block Andretti “could significantly distort competition in the European motorsport industry.”

Interestingly, Michael Andretti withdrew from his own Andretti Global organization a few weeks ago, potentially opening another pathway to F1.

Liberty Media owner John Malone is reportedly working to contain the fallout from blocking Andretti’s entry by adopting a different stance.

Insiders believe a deal will be struck with Andretti, allowing them entry into the sport and at least easing pressure from the notoriously strict Justice Department investigators.

They also connect the recent departure of Liberty’s chief counsel for F1, Sacha Woodward Hill, to the Andretti matter, describing her as a “potential scapegoat.”