--- title: "Andretti F1’s Biggest Opponent Is Now Out of the Picture" date: "2024-11-13" modified: "2024-11-13" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/andretti-f1s-biggest-opponent-is-now-out-of-the-picture" categories: - "F1" - "News" - "Racing" --- # Andretti F1’s Biggest Opponent Is Now Out of the Picture ![LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 13: Liberty Media President and CEO Greg Maffei speaks during a topping out event for the Las Vegas Grand Prix paddock building on April 13, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix inaugural race weekend is scheduled to take place November 16-18, 2023, with the race itself to begin on the night of November 18. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)]() *\Ethan Miller\* [Formula 1]()'s parent company, Liberty Media, confirmed Wednesday morning that CEO Greg Maffei is stepping down at the end of the year with chairman John Malone assuming the role of interim CEO. Despite Maffei's deep involvement with F1 and its current success worldwide (and particularly in the States), this move isn't expected to affect the sport's ownership or trajectory. However, what I think it will affect—surely in a positive way—is [Andretti's chances of joining F1 soon](). Here's what Maffei allegedly said back in May, as first reported by *[NBC News]()*: “Mario, I want to tell you that I will do everything in my power to see that Michael never enters Formula 1.” It's worth noting that when *NBC News* and other major outlets reached out to Maffei and Liberty Media, neither denied the allegations. They simply declined to comment. Will Maffei's exit magically turn things around for the hopeful Andretti-Cadillac F1 team? Probably not right away, considering Maffei's replacement will likely not flip on his predecessor (who is actually remaining as an advisor during a transitional period). But, given that Maffei's beef with Andretti has always seemed extremely personal and not good for business, surely Malone or the future CEO will feel motivated to ditch the high-school cattiness and treat the Andretti family and everyone at Andretti Global with the respect they have earned. ![Greg Maffei, Mohammed bin Sulayem, FIA president, and Stefano Domenicali are present during the Formula 1 Pirelli United States Grand Prix 2024 in Austin, USA, on October 20, 2024. (Photo by Alessio Morgese/NurPhoto)]() *L to R: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Greg Maffei, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicalli. *Getty* Alessio Morgese* Today's announcement represents another shake-up at the top of these two organizations. Back in September, Michael Andretti announced that after decades of leading Andretti Autosport and eventually Andretti Global, he would be stepping down from the helm to serve as a "strategic advisor and key ambassador." Dan Towriss, co-owner of Andretti Global and CEO of Gainbridge is stepping into Andretti's leadership role. At the time, I reported that [the move could positively impact Andretti's F1 plans](). How? Well, if Maffei was so darn set on making sure that "Michael never enters Formula 1," maybe not having Michael as the top dog would help that cause. With Maffei gone now, however, I don't see how both parties don't get back to business and give Andretti-Cadillac the all-clear they rightfully deserve. After all, [the FIA already did that](). It's way too late in the game to see the American squad compete in 2025, but approving their entry right away should give them enough time to source an engine and get their stuff together for the 2026 season. *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()