Mario Andretti accuses Greg Maffei of personally blocking his son Michael’s bid to join F1, calling it a personal vendetta.
Mario Andretti has made serious accusations against F1, specifically targeting Liberty Media executive Greg Maffei, who oversees the sport’s commercial rights.
According to Andretti, the obstruction of the Andretti F1 bid comes down to one reason: Maffei does not want the team or his son, Michael, in F1.
In an exclusive interview with NBC News shared with us this morning, the former world champion recounted an incident at the Miami Grand Prix where Greg Maffei personally approached him.
Andretti claims this happened during a breakfast meeting. The American was discussing with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali his visit to Washington, where he had been invited to speak before the US Congress about his son’s bid to become the 11th team.
“I was asked to go; I didn’t seek an appointment with Congress to push things. And just as I was explaining this to Stefano, Greg Maffei interrupted the conversation and said, ‘Mario, I want to tell you that I will do everything I can to ensure Michael never gets into Formula 1.’”
“I couldn’t believe it. I was truly stunned. We’re talking business here. I didn’t know it was so personal. It felt like a bullet to my heart.”
NBC also gathered Liberty Media’s perspective. Maffei did not directly address the accusation, but according to an anonymous source close to him, the conversation went very differently.
“Andretti approached Greg during breakfast to talk. Greg told him that Andretti’s offer was rejected for commercial reasons.”
But according to Andretti, this is not true.
“I didn’t initiate the conversation; it was Maffei who came and threw this at us.”
With the situation escalating, the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission are now also called to examine the matter.
According to Andretti, it’s clear: “We bring value. It’s a significant investment in the sport we love, which is our business and passion. It’s a long-term commitment. We’ve done everything required to earn a place in Formula 1. What more do you want us to do?”
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Maffei’s Vendetta: No Andretti F1. Maffei’s Vendetta: No Andretti F1.
