The owners of F1 - Liberty Media - are under investigation by the United States Department of Justice following their decisꦉion to reject Andretti’s team entry.

Earlier thꦫis year, F1 dismissed Andretti’s entry to join the sport as an 11🐼th team.

The US-based team's bid had been approved by motorsport's governing body, the FIA, in October 2023, but final approval f🅷rom F1 didn't happen.

F1 argued in a statement: “Wh𝔉ile the Andretti name carries some recognition for F1 fans, our research indicates that F1 would bring value to the Andretti brand rather than the other way around.”

F1 outlined while Andrett💯i’s bid to join as the 11th team has been declined for 2025 and 2026, provided they have a deal with manufactu𒈔rer General Motors, 2028 is an option.

A probe h💜as ✱now been launched by the US DOJ, with Liberty Media’s Greg Maffei confirming the investigation on Thursday.

“This morning, we announced that there is a DOJ investigation,” Maffei said during an investor call, as quoted by The ꦅAthletic.

“We intend to fully cooperat⭕e꧂ with that investigation, including any related requests for information.

“Our determination, F1 determination, was in compliance with all applicable US antitrust🔜 laws, and we’ve d♚etailed the rationale for our decision vis a vis Andretti in prior statements.”

Mafඣfei insists F1 remains open to “new entra𝔍nts” despite Andretti’s rejection.

“We are🐠 certainly not against the idea that any expansion is wrong [sic],” he added.

“There is a methodology for expansion thatဣ requires a🎶pproval of the FIA and F1.

“We’re💖 certainly open to new entrants making applications and potentially being approved if those requirements are met.”