The Judiciary Committee of the US Congress has initiated a formal investigation into the exclusion of Andretti-Cadillac from entering Formula 1.
A week earlier, twelve congressional members expressed their concern dissatisfaction by signing a letter to F1's owner, Liberty Media, highlighting their "concerns with the apparent anti-competitive actions that could prevent two American companies, Andretti Global and General Motors, from producing and competing in Formula 1."
Prior to a scheduled meeting with Liberty and Formula 1 representatives at the Miami Grand Prix last weekend, Congressman John James had stated, "We will have our questions answered. And those who are seeking to take advantage will be held accountable."
NBC News has now reported that this investigation by the influential House Judiciary Committee, led by the prominent Jim Jordan, is officially underway.
In a letter to Liberty Media's CEO Greg Maffei and F1's CEO Stefano Domenicali, Jordan expressed his belief that Andretti's exclusion was based solely on financial motives, and may be anti-competitive.
"Delaying Andretti-Cadillac's entry into Formula 1 for even one year will harm American consumers to benefit failing Formula 1 teams," Jordan pointed out in his letter.
"Limiting the number of teams will increase the price of sponsoring or buying into an existing team. As the Committee examines this matter and considers potential legislation around the structure and competition of sports leagues, we write to request a staff-level briefing on the decision to deny Andretti-Cadillac's application to join Formula 1," he continued.
Furthermore, Jordan requested that Formula 1 provide evidence concerning the "process for evaluating the entry of new teams" by May 21.
Andretti Global responded positively to this development, stating, "We're glad that the House Judiciary Committee has decided to investigate the practices of Liberty Media and FOM, as called for last week by a bipartisan group of lawmakers."
