Andretti receives big blow in Formula 1 push as Alpine engine deal expires

Formula 1 is currently in an unprecedented growth spurt. This has attracted the attention of many manufacturers and teams. The most vocal of them all has been Andretti, tied with General Motors. The FIA has even cleared them for an entry into the sport. However, most Formula 1 teams are opposing this. Recently, their Formula 1 chances received another blow as their pre-agreement with Alpine expired, according to Alpine Boss Bruno Famin.

Alpine and Andretti’s Pre-Agreement

Andretti is vying for a Formula 1 entry in 2025. It has even partnered with General Motors for its engines. However, the new engine rules kick in from 2026. Therefore, it will be a colossal waste of resources for General Motors to develop an engine for just 2025.

This is why Andretti has entered into a pre-agreement with Alpine to supply it with Formula 1 engines. This pre-agreement was also done at a time when Andretti had not partnered with General Motors. So this pre-agreement would likely have been for a lot more years.

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“No Contract Exists”

Alpine’s Vice-President of Motorsport, Bruno Famin, recently had a conversation with Autosport. On their Formula 1 deal, he said, “We had a pre-contract with Andretti, which has expired because they were supposed to be granted an F1 entry before a given date.”

“So right now, we have absolutely no contract with Andretti.”

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is optimistic Andretti’s F1 entry will be approved by FOM, as he dismissed fears of court action or a war erupting between series bosses 💥 pic.twitter.com/L6hgTOPJ15

— Motorsport.com (@Motorsport) October 12, 2023

A New Contract pending Approval from Formula 1

Bruno Famin made it pretty clear that Alpine will wait for the verdict of Formula 1. The situation around Andretti is still very tense. Most of the stakeholders involved do not want an 11th team. Therefore, making an agreement again only for it to be voided is not a good use of resources.

He said, “Everybody knows what the situation is. We need something, and we need a decision from F1 before resuming with Andretti.”

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Despite having a potential customer for their Alpine Formula 1 engines, Bruno Famin stated they aren’t supporting Andretti just yet. He said, “What we don’t want is that an 11th team dilutes the value of our assets in the championship. Of course, if that will be the case, we will be against that.”