Formula 1 News: Liberty Media gets hit with a 3rd monopoly charge
Liberty Media has been hit with its 3rd concurrent monopoly investigation – First it was its Ticketmaster Business, then the USA government began its investigation as to why Andretti Global’s F1 application was denied, and now Belgium has formally requested the European Commission initiate an investigation into Liberty Media, citing potential monopolistic practices of the company.
Pascal Arimont, a representative of Belgium’s Christian Social Party and a Parliment Member, has raised concerns over Liberty Media’s dominance in the motorsport sector—a domain where it holds comprehensive commercial rights and influence, covering premier racing series such as Formula 1, Formula 2, and Formula 3.
These concerns, first reported by Belgian news source “Het Belang van Limburg,” come on the heels of the company’s agreement to acquire Dorna Sports, the promoter of MotoGP.
Pascal Arimont has noted the company’s significant market power as a threat to fair competition, particularly noting the barriers faced by new entrants. He explained, as per the reports from Het Belang van Limburg:
“Commercial agreements make it very difficult for new teams to enter F1, possibly restricting competition in an illegal way.”
This sentiment stems from the recent rejection of Andretti Global which was denied entry despite receiving approval from the FIA. The refusal by Liberty Media to accommodate Andretti Global underlines Arimont’s concerns as it mirrors past antitrust issues involving the company.
Related Article: Andretti has them by the balls, they just don’t know it yet
Liberty Media’s broad holdings in motorsport and its commercial agreements have brought them under scrutiny. Beyond their grip on Formula 1 and its feeder series, Liberty Media holds sway in Formula E through an associated entity, Liberty Global.
Related Rumor: Andretti exit could be linked with F1 political probe