F1 under fire amid “cartel-like” EU concerns

F1 has come under fire for the second time in recent weeks in the European Parliament amid concerns about its business practices.

Earlier this month, the European Commission was asked whether it would investigate Liberty Media and Formula 1 as it looks to acquire the commercial rights to MotoGP.

It has now been asked to look into why Andretti Global’s entry for 2026 was refused.

In April, it was announced that a deal had been agreed upon to see Liberty Media take control of MotoGP’s commercial rights holder, Dorna, in a deal worth AUD $6.9 billion.

That transaction has not yet been completed, but if it goes through as planned, Liberty will have the rights to the world’s two leading motorsport categories: F1 and MotoGP.

It also owns a minor stake in IndyCar operation, Meyer Shank Racing.

Meanwhile, the American giant holds a controlling (65 percent) interest in Formula E through sister company Liberty Global.

But while the question asked of the EU Commission then centred on the MotoGP acquisition, new concerns have been raised about F1’s handling of Andretti Global’s effort to join the championship.

In January, F1 announced it had rejected the American operation’s bid, citing a host of reasons related to the commercial impact the squad would have,

It has been criticised for that decision while in the United States the Department of Justice has opened an investigation for potential breaches of antitrust laws.

Now, F1 could face similar pressure in Europe.

Christine Anderson, a German member of the European Parliament, has raised questions surrounding the matter and asked whether the European Commission will investigate.

“The fact that the Formula One Group (FOG) rejected Andretti’s entry into Formula 1, despite the team having FIA approval, could indicate a fundamental conflict of interest,” Anderson noted.

“Existing teams may be forming a de facto cartel that systematically excludes new competitors to protect their revenues and market values.