Senators Call on Feds to Probe Formula One Rejection of Andretti Team

The bipartisan group has asked the FTC and DOJ to probe the international racing circuit’s action as a possible antitrust violation.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen during the second practice session for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix in Las Vegas, Nev. on Nov. 17, 2023. Nick Didlick/AP Photo

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has called on the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice to investigate as a possible antitrust violation Formula One’s exclusion of a racing brand owned by racing legend Mario Andretti.

The May 21 letter, addressed to FTC Chairwoman Lina Khan and U.S. Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division Jonathan Kanter, notes that there are 10 Formula One teams but none “drive an American-made car with American-made components driven by an American.”