In a growing dispute over the inclusion of Andretti Global as Formula One's 11th team, tensions have reportedly escalated following a heated exchange between F1 CEO and Mario Andretti, the racing legend. The controversy unfolded at the Miami Grand Prix earlier this month, where Liberty Media, the parent company of F1, allegedly expressed opposition to Michael Andretti, head of Andretti Global, entering Formula One.

According to sources cited in a report by NBC News, Liberty Media's CEO stated that he would utilize all available means to ensure that Michael Andretti never enters Formula One. While Liberty Media declined to comment on the specific incident, an anonymous source close to the company suggested that the conversation had a different context compared to what Andretti described.

The conflict between Andretti Global and F1 dates back to October 2023 when the FIA, the sport's governing body, approved Andretti Global's bid to join the Formula One grid. However, three months later, F1's commercial arm rejected the bid, arguing that Andretti Global would not be competitive enough in the 2025 and 2026 seasons to significantly benefit the sport by fighting for victories and podium finishes.

Adding fuel to the fire, a group of U.S. lawmakers has accused F1 of "cartel-like behavior," alleging that the sport has reaped the rewards of American marketing without adequately sharing the profits. The House Judiciary Committee has initiated an inquiry into the matter, and senators have called for an antitrust investigation. The U.S. Congress has also contacted F1, demanding an explanation.

In a recent development, Andretti Global has scored a major victory by hiring former F1 Chief Technical Officer (CTO) Pat Symonds. This move is expected to strengthen their position and bolster their technical capabilities.

While multiple Formula One teams have voiced opposition to Andretti Global's entry, citing concerns about revenue dilution and prize money sharing, F1 itself believes that incorporating Andretti Global would enhance the value of the Andretti brand. Teams fear that including an additional team could lead to a decrease in their share of TV revenue and prize money.

To address this issue, alternative proposals have emerged. One suggestion is to allow three new teams to enter as "non-constructors," which would make them ineligible for a share of the prize money. These new entrants would also be required to operate from a region currently not represented by F1 teams. Another potential solution is to increase the anti-dilution fee, with McLaren's CEO suggesting a higher fee to compensate existing teams for the potential revenue dilution.

The involvement of the U.S. government has added pressure to F1's decision-making process. Stakeholders are wary that the U.S. market's growth and potential broadcasting rights deals with Apple, along with alleged interest from Saudi Arabia in purchasing the sport, could influence the outcomes. The U.S. government has emphasized the importance of granting American companies and workers access to F1 if the sport wishes to continue benefiting from the American market.

As the conflict intensifies, support for Andretti Global is gaining momentum both within Washington, with members of Congress expressing their concerns, and on the ground in Miami. Fernando Alonso, a renowned Formula One driver, is reported to have expressed frustration with the obstacles Andretti Global is facing.

The outcome of this dispute will not only shape the future of Andretti Global but also have implications for the structure and dynamics of the Formula One landscape.