Being part of Formula 1, the lawmakers wrote, ’should be based on merit and not just limited to protecting the current line-up of race teams.’
A dozen members of Congress have alleged that Formula 1’s exclusion of a racing brand owned by racing legend Mario Andretti might violate U.S. antitrust law.
Although the meeting did not open warmly, Mr. Andretti said, he felt better about it by the time it ended. A second meeting is scheduled for this weekend in Miami.
They wrote that the “rejection appears to be driven by the current line-up of European Formula I race teams, many of which are affiliated with foreign automobile manufacturers that directly compete with American automotive companies like GM. It is unfair and wrong to attempt to block American companies from joining Formula 1, which could also violate American antitrust laws.”
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Being part of Formula 1, the lawmakers wrote, “should be based on merit and not just limited to protecting the current line-up of race teams.”
The lawmakers asked Mr. Maffei for answers to questions, including “what authority does FOM proceed to reject admission of Andretti Global”; “the rationale for FOM’s rejection, especially with respect to Andretti Global and its partner GM, potentially being the first American-owned and America-built race team”; and how does the rejection of Andretti Global “square with Sherman Act requirements, since the decision will benefit incumbent European racing teams and their foreign automobile manufacturing affiliates.”
The lawmakers requested answers from Mr. Maffei by May 3.
The lawmakers behind the letter included Reps. John James (R-Mich.), Don Davis (D-Ill.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Jake Ellzey (R-Texas), Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas), Erin Houchin (R-Ind.), André Carson (D-Ind.), Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), Rudy Yakym (R-Ind.), Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), Dan Kildee (D-Mich.), and Haley Stevens (D-Mich.).
“We’re ready with everything that’s needed. Give us a green light and let us do our thing,” Mr. Andretti said. “Our team, Andretti Global, is part of every major racing discipline in the world. … Formula 1 is the one that’s left. And we want to be part of that.”
“If you want access to our markets, if you want access to our fans, you must grant access to our companies. You must grant access to our automotive workers. You must grant access to Americans themselves,” said Mr. James.
The Epoch Times has reached out to Formula 1 for comment on the letter.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Original News Source Link – Epoch Times
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