Mario Andretti and Greg Maffei clashed at a private reception during the recent Miami Grand Prix weekend over Andretti Global’s bid to enter Formula 1. Andretti, a former F1 world champion, described the incident for the first time in an exclusive interview with NBC News. The incident occurred at an invitation-only breakfast reception where Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali asked Andretti about his recent visit to Washington. Andretti revealed that Maffei told him he would do everything in his power to prevent his son, Michael Andretti, from entering Formula 1.
Maffei’s comments came just days after Andretti joined lawmakers for a press conference outside the Capitol, where they accused F1 of anti-competitive practices for denying Andretti’s application. Andretti expressed shock at Maffei’s personal attack and stated that it felt like a bullet through his heart. Maffei has not contacted Andretti since the incident. While Andretti opened up about the exchange, Maffei and Liberty Media, Formula 1’s owner, declined to provide any comments on the matter. A source close to Liberty Media provided a different account of the incident, stating that Andretti had initiated the conversation with Maffei at the breakfast.
Formula 1 rejected Andretti’s application earlier in the year, citing that an 11th team would not add value to the championship without being competitive. The situation has escalated with the House Judiciary Committee launching an inquiry and influential senators calling for antitrust investigations into F1’s alleged anti-competitive practices. Andretti maintains that Andretti Global meets the requirements to join the grid and believes they have done everything necessary to earn a spot in Formula 1. He noted that while the FIA approved their application, the sport’s commercial side blocked it. Andretti hopes to find a solution to enter Formula 1 within the next two years.
Andretti clarified that he did not initiate contact with lawmakers, but they asked him to speak after a Red Bull F1 showrun near the Capitol building grabbed their attention. He emphasized that Andretti Global is bringing value to the sport through a significant investment and a long-term commitment. Despite the obstacles faced in their bid to enter Formula 1, Andretti remains optimistic about finding a resolution. The ongoing saga surrounding Andretti Global’s application to join Formula 1 highlights the complexities and challenges of entering the competitive world of motorsports at the highest level.
