Despite Sergio Perez‘s dwindling performances, Red Bull gave him a fresh lease on life with a 2-year contract extension. Many theorized that the 34-year-old’s popularity in Mexico, and more importantly, his sponsor power, eased the decision for Team boss Christian Horner. Former Ferrari manager Peter Windsor reckons F1 can benefit greatly by emulating Red Bull‘s strategy with Andretti.

The Andretti fiasco has gobbled up F1’s energy in 2024. After the FIA rejected the American team, labeling them “uncompetitive” even for as late as 2026, the US Congress demanded an investigation into the processes that arrived at this unfair decision. The matter remains unsolved and 2028 will be Andretti’s next chance to get their proposal approved.

Peter Windsor believes that F1 might have improperly rejected them. The pinnacle of motorsport, which is striving to increase its American fanbase, could’ve used Andretti’s name to do so in the same way Sergio Perez used his multi-billion dollar sponsors for a contract extension and Red Bull used him to maintain balance in the team and exploit his popularity in South America.

“Checo is sitting down and doing a proper deal on behalf of these companies (his sponsors),” Windsor said on his YT channel. “He probably doesn’t take commission. He just gets his retainer extended or whatever. Comparing this to Andretti, he added, “If they’re (F1) going to say no to Andretti, at least use the Andretti name in America to raise more money for Formula 1. Whatever year they want to give them the entry down the line, but, at least, be respectful and use that Andretti name. And that’s what Red Bull does very well with Sergio Perez.”

From a marketing standpoint, this would work for both F1 and Andretti. But with the US Congress already involved, settling the tension might take a lot of time. The other way they could enter F1 earlier than 2028 would be to buy an existing team, like Audi did with Sauber. But those chances have tanked as well.

Andretti’s hopes diminish as Alpine shuts their alternative F1 entry

The current 10 F1 teams were quite resistant to Andretti’s entry as an 11th team. Prize money would be diluted and it could’ve been a win-lose situation. After the unexpected rejection, Red Bull boss Christian Horner suggested that they buy an existing team. That way, everybody would be secure. Renault selling their Alpine F1 team was much talked about after their horrible struggles. However, Renault boss Luca de Meo has shut down any such possibility.

“I want to make this very clear. There is no way we are going to give up,” de Meo told Autocar. “It’s not my style. We will not sell even a part of this thing. We don’t need the money. I’ve had people making offers left and right, then talking in the press about it. But we’re not interested. It would be stupid and I won’t do it.”

With Alpine out of the picture, Red Bull’s junior team VCARB might be the only remaining option. Maybe with the right price, even Haas could be bought to create the ultimate American team. But as it stands, Andretti faces the bitter reality of waiting 4 more years for a spot on the grid.