Alpine has made it clear that there have been no recent negotiations with Andretti about supplying engines for their potential Formula 1 team for the 2025/26 season, following the sport’s decision to not approve Andretti’s bid.
Originally, there was a preliminary agreement for Andretti to use Alpine’s engines until they could develop their own Cadillac engine, a collaboration with General Motors, planned for launch in 2028. However, this agreement lapsed last summer, well ahead of the FIA’s eventual endorsement of Andretti’s application in October.
Alpine’s team leader, Bruno Famin, revealed that any future discussions on engine supply would depend on Andretti securing a definitive place in Formula 1, a prospect that recently suffered a setback when F1 decisively turned down Andretti’s application, though it didn’t completely close the door for 2028.
During the unveiling of Alpine’s 2024 vehicle at their Enstone headquarters, Famin emphasized that Renault is not currently considering an engine supply arrangement with Andretti absent a guaranteed spot in the sport.
“There was a pre-agreement which subsequently lapsed without further developments,” Famin explained, pointing out the contingent nature of the deal on Andretti’s F1 entry. “As of now, with Andretti lacking an entry, our conversations have not continued.”
The issue of Andretti joining the F1 grid has sparked debate, particularly regarding the distribution of the sport’s financial rewards among teams, with concerns that an additional team could dilute earnings for existing participants.
Moreover, Formula 1 officials have questioned the substantial benefits Andretti could bring to the championship, even challenging the significance of the Andretti brand within the sport.
Famin, addressing the broader issue of new teams entering F1 at the Alpine A524’s launch, reiterated the need for any new entrant to significantly contribute to the championship’s value.
“We maintain our position that an eleventh team is welcome provided they enhance the championship’s value,” he stated. “It’s up to Formula 1 and its governing bodies to assess the potential contributions of such projects. We trust their judgment and will support their decisions regarding new entrants.”
