Senate Latest To Seek Answers After Formula 1 Andretti Snub

House Representatives have already tried to get some answers as to why Formula 1 said, "thanks, but no thanks," to welcoming Andretti Global and General Motors onto the grid as the series 11th team, and now Senators are getting involved.

A bipartisan group of Senators has penned a letter asking the Biden administration to investigate the situation, echoing House members' concerns that the decision may violate American antitrust laws.

The letter — a copy of which was obtained by The Athletic — is led by Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust chair Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and ranking member Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) and cosigned by Senators. Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow (both D-MI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Todd Young (R-IN).

It's addressed to assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, Jonathan Kanter, and the chair of the Federal Trade Commission, Lina Khan.

Both of whom are tasked with enforcing antitrust laws.

This letter raises similar concerns as the one from the House Judiciary Committee members who questioned whether or not Formula One was working in the best interests of current teams, many of which have connections to foreign automakers.

Mario Andretti attended a news conference in Washington, DC earlier this month as lawmakers continue to seek answers as to why Andretti Global and General Motors were shut out of Formula 1. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

They pointed to the number of US-based races as an indicator that adding a US-based team would be good for the series.

"Last year, F1 hosted three races in America, in Miami, Las Vegas, and Austin, while no other country hosted more than a single race," the lawmakers wrote. "Clearly there is a financial incentive to adding an American team to F1’s roster, and there is no reason they should be blocked unless [Formula 1 management] is trying to insulate its current partners from competition."

This could shape up to be very interesting, especially as it appears to be one of the only issues on the face of the earth getting bipartisan support from both the House and Senate.