Mario Andretti, the 1978 Formula 1 world champion, has alleged that Greg Maffei, the CEO of Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder of Formula 1, explicitly stated his intention to prevent his son Michael Andretti’s team from joining the series.
Andretti recounted an encounter during the Miami Grand Prix weekend where Maffei intervened in a conversation between him and Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to deliver the message. “Mr. Maffei broke in the conversation and he said: ‘Mario, I want to tell you that I will do everything in my power to see that Michael never enters Formula 1,'” Andretti disclosed to NBC.
The revelation left Andretti stunned, describing it as a deeply personal blow. He expressed disbelief, stating, “I could not believe that. That one really floored me.”
Despite Formula One Management’s opposition to Andretti’s entry into Formula 1, the FIA approved Andretti’s application last October after a rigorous selection process. However, Formula One Management reiterated its stance in January, prompting Andretti to persist with its preparations.
Andretti has established a technical base in Silverstone, employing approximately 80 personnel. Additionally, the team recently enlisted the expertise of Pat Symonds, former chief technical officer at FOM, as a consultant. Symonds, credited with formulating F1’s existing technical regulations and the upcoming rules for 2026, is expected to bolster Andretti’s ambitions to compete in the series.
The saga has attracted attention from US lawmakers, with six senators addressing concerns to the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division over FOM’s refusal to admit Andretti. They emphasized the potential financial benefits of adding an American team to F1’s roster and questioned FOM’s motives for resisting competition.
Requests for comment from Formula One Management are pending.
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