Andretti & Co. Find Themselves in a Fix as Alpine Withdraws Support Days After FIA’s Nod

Michael Andretti’s dream to have a team in Formula 1 finally found some solid footing earlier in the year. It has been a long and tumultuous journey for the American outfit. The name itself is well-known in Formula 1, with Mario Andretti winning the 1978 Drivers Championship. However, they lacked manufacturer backing to show to the bosses at Formula 1 HQ that the team’s inclusion would add value to the sport and the brand, not take away from it. But their relentless pursuit of a spot in the pitlane paid off once they partnered up with Cadillac.

With a giant manufacturing parent company backing them, Andretti’s prospects of F1 were starting to look good! The FIA approved the team to compete recently. But the team now has to go through a tiresome process of scrutiny by FOM over commercial agreements.

Earlier, a constructor was able to enter Formula 1 without having commercial agreements in place. But since 2022, this is not possible anymore, making it tougher for the American outfit to reach the sport. To add to their woes, the team now finds themselves stranded without the power to chase the ultimate dream.

Alpine adds insult to Andretti’s wounds

While Andretti had the experience of racing to warrant an F1 entry, there is one issue. Even with General Motors’ backing, it takes years to develop a Formula 1 engine, let alone a championship-winning one. It was needless to say, the American outfit needed an engine supplier to fuel their dreams, at least in the short term. But things worked out, as Andretti had found an engine supplier in Renault (now Alpine). This newfound security would not last long though. Alpine’s Interim Team Principal, Bruno Famin, announced that this agreement has since expired!

Famin shared, as quoted by Autosport, “We had a pre-contract with Andretti, which has expired because they were supposed to be granted an F1 entry before a given date.” The French manufacturer was supposed to supply Andretti with engines till they developed their own power unit.

One of the biggest factors behind Andretti’s approval over three other bids (Hitech GP, Rodin Carlin, LKY SUNZ) was their eagerness, along with General Motors, to become an engine manufacturer in the long term. But with their pre-contract with Alpine leaving them stranded without power, things are looking difficult.

READ MORE: Christian Horner’s Troubling Prediction About Andretti Comes True as FIA Reveals Ulterior Motive

Further commenting on the status of their contract, Famin added, “If we want to do something with Andretti, we need to negotiate a full contract, a formal contract. So right now, we have absolutely no contract with Andretti.” It’s needless to say Andretti can’t seem to catch a break. With commercial agreement talks looming over their heads, the pressure just got dialed up ten notches! Not all hope is lost though. FIA boss Mohammed Ben Sulayem has repeatedly sided with the American outfit, expressing his support at every turn.

Has the FIA come to aid Andretti once again?

Andretti’s current situation with the power unit is a mess. But Formula 1 regulations account for this and ensure no manufacturer is left without a power unit supplier. There is a clause in Formula 1 that a new manufacturer can request engine supply from the engine maker supplying the least teams, which would leave Andretti with two options.

Honda and Alpine are expected to only supply to their works teams in 2026. Even though there will be a new engine manufacturer in 2026 with Audi, they will be exclusively for their works team. Alpine will have to comply with the ruling, even if the situation gets complicated. This might mean that regardless of an expired contract, the Anglo-French manufacturer may power Andretti in 2026. But let’s not forget, an engine without the keys to it is just a sitting duck.

Andretti and Cadillac/General Motors’ biggest hurdle in their entry to Formula 1 remains getting FOM’s approval after commercial discussions. With existing teams against the idea of diluting their winnings and sponsorship money, there are many more challenges Andretti is yet to overcome!

WATCH THIS STORY: Mario Andretti Teases Blockbuster American Formula 1 Team in 2024

It will be interesting to see if there will be 22 cars that roll up at the season opener in 2026. Stay tuned for more!