Mario Andretti Just Got the Feds Involved in the Whole F1 Thing

As a longtime racing icon, motorsport ambassador, businessman, and all-around cool guy, Mario Andretti is used to giving speeches and talking to crowds. Today was a bit different, however, as the former Indy 500 winner and Formula 1 champion took to Capitol Hill to fight the good fight. Which fight? The one against Liberty Media, who back in January rejected Andretti's application to join F1.

Joined by Rep. John James (R-Mich.) and other politicians from Michigan and Indiana, Andretti highlighted how Formula 1's owner, Liberty Media, has been aggressively developing the sport in the U.S. over the last decade, yet shut the door to a new American team. He mentioned how F1 now hosts three races in the States, and how Red Bull even hosted a demo run on Pennsylvania Avenue in D.C. last weekend, making it more than clear that the company and its subsidiaries want American fans.

«I'm here to strengthen our resolve to be in Formula 1. We have done everything that's been asked of us and now it's time for a decision,' said Andretti on Rep. John James' Facebook livestream from Capitol Hill.

James is part of a bipartisan group of lawmakers citing the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 and are questioning Liberty Media over Andretti's exclusion from the world championship. Furthermore, the 12 members of this group sent a letter to Liberty Media Greg Maffei demanding answers.

»This venture is bringing the first-ever American-made engine to Formula 1—a GM-built engine specifically," said Rep. John James. «This is a big opportunity for Formula 1. If they want access to the American market, a free market, then they have to play fair. American autos should have the opportunity to compete against other autos across the world fairly. That's why we're here: fairness.

»F1 just held a race [Ed. note: it was an exhibition] on Pennsylvania Avenue last weekend—they wanted America's attention. Well, they have it. We're here to say that America demands its dues. If you want access to our markets, if you want access to our fans, then you must grant access to our companies, our automotive workers, to Americans themselves."

While Formula 1's decision to deny Andretti access to the sport in 2025 or