At the EU level, politicians are taking a stand against Liberty Media – they are complaining about an increasing monopoly in motorsport and distortion of competition
The investigations against Liberty Media are piling up: After the US Congress, there is growing resistance to the Formula One owners at the EU level. Within a very short time, a second member of parliament has come forward with accusations. The reason for this is the rejection of Andretti and the suspicion of an illegal monopoly.
The Member of the European Parliament, Christine Anderson, has therefore submitted an official request to the European Commission to investigate the competition practices of Formula 1.
The request, which is publicly available online, states: “The Formula One Group’s (FOG) rejection of Andretti’s entry into Formula One despite FIA approval could reveal a fundamental conflict of interest.”
Anderson raises several critical issues, including the suspicion that the existing teams are forming a cartel to systematically exclude new competitors and protect their own market value. “These practices could significantly distort competition in the European motorsport industry.”
In addition, the strong increase in the value of the established teams – due to the market foreclosure – is discussed, which makes it particularly difficult for innovative private entrepreneurs “like Eddie Jordan or Ross Brawn in the past” to enter Formula One.
The MEP emphasizes that these anti-competitive practices could have a significant negative impact on jobs, innovation and the competitiveness of the European motorsport and automotive sectors.
She calls on the Commission to thoroughly examine the structures in Formula One and to consider measures to ensure fairer access for new teams.
The Commission’s response to this new request is eagerly awaited, as it could have far-reaching consequences for the future of European motorsport and the associated economic sector.
Just recently, Belgian MEP Pascal Arimont submitted a similar request, criticizing Liberty Media’s acquisition of a majority stake in MotoGP promoter Dorna and also referring to the Andretti case, speaking of an illegal distortion of competition.
