Liberty Media can breathe a sigh of relief, at least in Europe: the European Commission has decided not to proceed with further investigations into allegations of anti-competitive conduct linked to the refusal to admit the Andretti-Cadillac team to Formula 1. However, the matter is far from resolved, and the specter of possible future developments continues to hover over the case.
The controversy surrounding Andretti's entry and the case on free competition
The news comes after months of discussion and controversy, fueled by the decision of Liberty Media and the ten current teams to block the entry of the American team. The Andretti-Cadillac team, supported by General Motors, presented an ambitious candidacy, approved by the FIA on a technical level but rejected by Formula 1 itself for economic and sustainability reasons. The accusation raised by critics was clear. Blocking the entry of a new team would constitute anti-competitive behavior, violating European regulations protecting free competition.
The European Commission's response
The European Commission’s official response, signed by Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, suggested that, for now, there was not enough evidence to proceed with formal action. “Based on the limited information available to the Commission, it is not possible to assess whether the barriers to entry in Formula 1 are the result of anti-competitive behavior,” the document reads. However, Vestager specified that the Commission remains open to examining any new evidence that may emerge. Thus leaving room for future investigations.

Liberty Media's position and the Maffei knot in the Andretti case
While Europe seems to be temporarily shelving the case, in the United States the investigation by the Department of Justice continues. Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei had confirmed his willingness to cooperate fully with the American authorities. However, his recent resignation leaves many questions unanswered. Maffei played a crucial role in blocking Andretti's entry, arguing that the team would not bring sufficient commercial value to Formula 1. His exit could therefore mark a change of direction, fueling Andretti's hopes of being able to enter F1 in 2026.
Andretti doesn't give up and looks to the future
Despite the closed doors, the Andretti-Cadillac team continues to work towards a possible entry in 2026. The team has already started preliminary crash tests and continues its recruitment campaign, demonstrating unshakable confidence in the project. Mario Andretti's statements were cryptic but optimistic: "News and changes are coming," he said, suggesting that something is moving behind the scenes.
A game still open in the United States
The outcome of the European and American investigations could radically change the face of Formula 1. While Liberty Media has managed to avoid immediate sanctions in Europe, the investigation by the Department of Justice in the United States represents a sword of Damocles that could still influence the future of the championship. The refusal to accept Andretti as an eleventh team has raised not only legal questions but also doubts about the transparency and management of the F1 expansion process.
What is clear is that the battle to enter the Circus is still in full swing. Liberty Media has avoided the first blow, but the game is far from over.
Source statements: FormulaPassion