F1: Alpine to Engage in Discussions to Provide Engines for Andretti's Potential Entry into the Grid

The Alpine Formula 1 team's interim team principal, Bruno Famin, says Renault is still committed to providing power units to Andretti should the American team be granted entrance to the F1 Grid. Even though Andretti's pre-contract with Renault expired due to an incredibly drawn-out entrance process, Famin stresses that Renault has been there for Andretti every step of the way. The F1 organisation and CEO Stefano Domenicali will make the ultimate decision after the FIA officially approved Andretti in October. Things changed after that when GM announced it was shifting from a simple partnership to building its power unit for 2027 or 2028.

Despite Andretti strengthening ties with a rival manufacturer, Famin indicates that Renault is open to supplying the new team during the interim seasons before the Cadillac power unit is ready. If the squad is able to meet the 2025 start target, they will have one more season to compete under the present power unit specs before the regulations of 2026 kick in. Andretti has a deadline by which he must decide whether or not to enter Formula One, and Renault needs sufficient notice to increase production and provide a second team. The fact that General Motors has now registered as a Formula 1 powertrain manufacturer for 2028 seems to answer a big concern about Andretti's possible entrance.

Also Read: F1: FIA Introduces Significant Update to Right to Review Process

F1: Why does Andretti's Formula 1 Entry Take so Long?

Two of the most accomplished drivers in American open-wheel racing, the father and son team are ranked third and fourth on IndyCar's all-time win list. The long-running Andretti campaign received formal backing from Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of the FIA.

In this year's FIA meeting, President Ben Sulayem responded to Andretti's proposal for a grid expansion to welcome additional teams by launching an "expression of interest" process. This decision was made after Andretti failed in his 2021 effort to acquire an existing team.

After reviewing seven applications in total, the FIA, headed by President Ben Sulayem, dug deep and assessed a cost of USD 300,000 to move on with the other five. Andretti was one of only four applications that made it to the final round. The team's choice was impacted by the owner's suggestion to use Cadillac engines manufactured by General Motors.

Also Read: F1: FIA Proposes for Surprise Formula 1 Factory Inspections with Zero Notice

Current teams, including big names like Red Bull and Mercedes, are strongly opposed to the expansion of Formula 1, arguing that the sport's financial investment should not be jeopardised. Nonetheless, the grid is poised to be expanded. With three races in the US, Formula 1 is trying to capitalise on the interest of American audiences, and the addition of a US-based GM-sponsored team fits in with that goal. The current teams are claiming that their cut of profits will be cut even if the anti-dilution charge for new players is set at USD 200 million.

Source