A group of bipartisan members of Congress is seeking answers from Formula 1 owner Liberty Media regarding the exclusion of a U.S.-based team backed by racing legend Mario Andretti from the prestigious motor racing series. The lawmakers have raised concerns about possible antitrust violations and the potential blocking of American companies from participating in Formula 1.

The FIA, the governing body of Formula 1, initially accepted Andretti Global's bid to join the grid. However, Formula One Management (FOM), the commercial rights holder of the sport, denied the team's entry, citing concerns about competitiveness and the added value of an additional team. F1 stated that Andretti Global would not be able to be competitive in time for upcoming races.

In a letter addressed to Liberty Media's president and CEO, Greg Maffei, the 12 U.S. representatives expressed their concerns about the exclusion of Andretti Global and General Motors (GM) from Formula 1. The partnership between the two companies would have resulted in the first American-built and designed engine in the sport's history.

The letter accuses FOM of potentially violating American antitrust laws and asserts that blocking American companies from joining Formula 1 is unfair and wrong. Led by Rep. John James, a Republican from Michigan, where GM is based, the bipartisan group includes representatives from Texas, North Carolina, Indiana, and Florida.

The lawmakers posed three questions to Liberty Media, specifically asking how FOM's rejection aligns with the requirements of the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 and seeking the rationale behind dismissing the first American-owned and built team. They emphasized that FOM's decision seems to benefit European racing teams and their foreign automobile manufacturing partners rather than promoting fair market competition as intended by the Sherman Act.

Mario Andretti, a former Formula 1 world champion, met with members of the House to rally support for his team. He also held a press conference outside the Capitol, asserting the importance of American representation in Formula 1 and calling for access to American markets and fans.

The U.S. fanbase for Formula 1 has been growing rapidly, and Andretti's lobbying efforts come ahead of the upcoming Miami Grand Prix. The representatives' letter highlights the need for participation in Formula 1 to be based on merit rather than solely protecting existing line-ups. It emphasizes the increasing presence of Formula 1 in the United States, with multiple Grand Prix events in Miami, Florida; Austin, Texas; and Las Vegas, Nevada.

As the bipartisan members of Congress seek answers, the future participation of Andretti Global and General Motors in Formula 1 hangs in the balance. The outcome will not only impact the American companies involved but also determine whether Formula 1 embraces a more diverse and globally representative field.