In a recent development, U.S. Senators Todd Young (Republican - Indiana), Amy Klobuchar (Democrat - Minnesota), and Mike Lee (Republican - Utah) have penned a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ), urging an investigation into the exclusion of Andretti Formula Racing, LLC from the Formula One Championship series. The letter, signed by multiple other senators, raises concerns about potential violations of U.S. antitrust laws and highlights the impact on both on-track competition and General Motors' position in the European car market.

The letter, addressed to Assistant Attorney General for the DOJ Antitrust Division Jonathan Kanter and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan, emphasizes the senators' concerns that Formula One may be acting upon the demands of its independent teams and other "key stakeholders," including foreign automakers, to prevent Andretti Formula Racing from participating in the prestigious racing series.

With a focus on the lack of American-made cars in the Formula One Championship series, the senators highlight that none of the current ten teams drive an American-made car with American-made components. They point out that as recently as 2016, eleven teams competed in Formula One, and in 2012, there were twelve teams.

The senators note that Andretti Formula Racing, LLC, in partnership with General Motors, had submitted a comprehensive application to the governing body of Formula One and was deemed to have met the stringent criteria set by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). However, instead of negotiating commercial terms, Formula One Management (FOM) unilaterally rejected the application, claiming that it would not bring financial benefits or be competitive.

The senators challenge this reasoning, citing that the majority of Formula One teams fail to win races in a given season, and the addition of a team backed by a major U.S. car manufacturer would likely enhance competitiveness rather than reduce it. They also question FOM's concerns about securing a "power unit" (engine), pointing out that only four manufacturers produce power units, and General Motors' entry would increase competition in the specialized market.

Furthermore, the senators highlight the financial incentive of adding an American team to Formula One, considering the increasing viewership of F1 races among Americans and the desire of Formula One to expand its presence in the lucrative U.S. market.

The senators express serious concerns that the rejection of Andretti Formula Racing was motivated by an intention to exclude a rival from the racetrack, marketing opportunities, and the prestige associated with participating in Formula One races. They speculate that consultations with "key stakeholders," potentially including team sponsors and competing car manufacturers, may have resulted in concerted action to exclude Andretti Formula Racing.

In conclusion, the senators request a thorough investigation into these matters, considering the potential violation of U.S. antitrust laws and the possible anti-competitive motives behind Andretti Formula Racing's exclusion from the Formula One Championship series. The senators argue that the team's fulfillment of technical requirements to join Formula One warrants a comprehensive investigation to ensure fair competition and transparency in the prestigious racing series.

As of now, there has been no official response from the DOJ or the FTC regarding the senators' call for an investigation.