Liberty Media faces EU investigation call over monopoly concerns

The ownership structure of Formula 1 has come under fresh scrutiny as a Belgian Member of the European Parliament (MEP) has called for an investigation into Liberty Media's control of the sport.

This move adds to the growing list of challenges faced by the American media giant on both sides of the Atlantic.

Pascal Arimont, representing Belgium's Christian Social Party in the European Parliament, has urged the European Commission to launch a probe into Liberty Media's operations.

The MEP's concerns stem from what he perceives as a potential violation of European competition laws, particularly in light of Liberty's expansive reach across multiple motorsport categories.

Monopoly concerns in motorsport

At the heart of Arimont's appeal is the belief that Liberty Media's ownership of Formula 1, Formula 2, and Formula 3, coupled with its stake in Formula E through Liberty Global, may constitute a monopoly in the motorsport world.

The situation is further complicated by Liberty's ongoing efforts to acquire the commercial rights to MotoGP from current owner Dorna.

Speaking to Belgian newspaper Het Belang van Limburg, Arimont emphasized the need "to protect consumers and ensure fair competition" as the primary motivation behind his call for an investigation.

The MEP's move highlights growing unease about the concentration of power within the motorsport industry under a single corporate umbrella.

Transatlantic troubles for Liberty

The European concerns mirror ongoing investigations in the United States, where Liberty Media finds itself under scrutiny from multiple angles.

The U.S. Congress has raised questions about the recent rejection of Andretti's bid to enter Formula 1 in 2026, with some lawmakers suggesting the decision could violate the 1890 Sherman Anti-Trust Act.

Representative Jim Jordan, chair of the powerful House Judiciary Committee, is among those who view the blocking of Andretti's entry as potentially breaching antitrust regulations designed to prevent monopolies and ensure free and fair competition in the marketplace.

Beyond Formula 1, Liberty Media faces additional challenges in the U.S. entertainment sector.

The Department of Justice has launched an investigation into the company's Live Nation-Ticketmaster division, focusing on allegations of

"exclusionary conduct and dominance across the live concert ecosystem which harms fans, innovation, artists, and venues."