Andretti's F1 Dream: Why Liberty Media's Resistance Stirs Speculation
Oct.25 - Formula 1 is going behind Andretti's back to snatch away the support of General Motors - the second-biggest carmaker in the critical American market.
That is the claim of Jenna Fryer, a long-time sports writer for the American news agency Associated Press.
It comes after the FIA recently green-lit Andretti's application to race in F1 as soon as 2025 - leaving the final decision in the hands of the Liberty Media-owned commercial rights holder, Formula One Management.
Most of the ten existing teams also oppose the Andretti bid, which is backed by General Motors who intend to enter the sport with its Cadillac brand.
"F1 and Liberty publicly treat his (Andretti's) application as scrap paper, giving it little to no recognition," Fryer said.
Michael Andretti, a former F1 driver and son of 1978 world champion Mario, attended the recent US GP with his famous father.
When asked why his F1 bid is not popular among Liberty and the existing teams, he said in Austin: "I don't know. It's a mystery to me in some ways, why they're pushing back."
Fryer thinks she knows the reason.
"Andretti can make a case that keeping him out of F1 is indeed personal," AP's auto racing writer said.
"Three different people with direct knowledge of the conversations confirmed to AP that F1 asked General Motors if it would partner with someone other than Andretti," Fryer added.
As for Michael Andretti, she surmised: "F1 doesn't seem to want him, and by excluding him, F1 is coming off as club racing. Not a series that showcases the greatest innovations in motorsports but a series for those invited to compete and be part of the club.
"It might just be an argument Andretti needs to have decided in a court of law," Fryer said.
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Too bad, but this seems headed for litigation. It's been a long time since Pete Lovely hauled his updated Lotus from Tacoma to Watkins Glen to make a quali attempt. I'm not sure this 'new world' in F1 is a good thing. Hmm, maybe I am just really old. smh
Bad press for Liberty and the Fia if it goes to court i reckon, will either want that , esp as the Fia aka Binman said the Fia are behind it, I also seem to remember the Fia aka Binman saying they could allow Andretti even without agreement from the teams which would definately go bad for the Fia , otherwise im guessing they are hanging out long term for the new concorde agreeement i.e More Cash
F1/Liberty seems to be really happy with bottom dwellers like HAAS who bring no history of skill to F1; but, HAAS brings new social media fan-boys in through the likes of 'never won much Gunther' on Netflix. It's pretty lame F1/Liberty is playing such a low-level game with F1 history.
Anything for money I guess with the new F1 where sensational 'reality style' TV is king.... Barf!