Alpine Revives Engine Supply Talks with Andretti Cadillac for F1 Entry

Alpine has reinitiated discussions with Andretti Cadillac regarding engine supply for their potential Formula 1 entry. The move, confirmed by Alpine’s interim team principal, follows the expiration of their previous pre-contract.

Key Takeaways:

• Alpine and Andretti Cadillac Renew Discussions: Alpine’s interim team principal Bruno Famin has confirmed that the team is in talks with Andretti Cadillac about providing power units, following the lapse of their earlier pre-contract agreement.
• Andretti’s F1 Entry Progressing Amid Scrutiny: Andretti’s entry into Formula 1 as the eleventh team is currently being evaluated by Formula One Management, despite receiving clearance from the FIA and facing objections from various team bosses.
• Future Engine Supply Landscape: With new power unit regulations coming in 2026 and changes in engine suppliers, Alpine’s engagement with Andretti could mark a significant development in the sport, especially as General Motors (Cadillac) plans to enter as a power unit supplier by 2028.

The world of Formula 1 is buzzing with the recent developments between Alpine and Andretti Cadillac. Alpine, which currently powers only its factory team, is now reconsidering a partnership with Andretti Cadillac as a potential engine supplier. This news was confirmed by Alpine’s interim team principal, Bruno Famin, marking a significant turn in the ongoing saga of Andretti’s entry into Formula 1.

The collaboration had initially hit a roadblock when a pre-contract agreement between the two parties lapsed last month. However, with Andretti’s Formula 1 entry gaining momentum after approval from the FIA and ongoing evaluations by Formula One Management, discussions have been renewed.

This development comes at a pivotal time for Formula 1. The sport is set to undergo significant changes with new power unit regulations slated for 2026. This will see new players like Audi and Honda (in collaboration with Aston Martin) entering the fray. Alpine’s decision to engage with Andretti Cadillac is therefore not just about filling a gap but also about strategically positioning itself in the evolving landscape of Formula 1.

The potential entry of Andretti, in partnership with General Motors and its Cadillac division, adds another layer of intrigue. While General Motors has registered as a power unit supplier, its full-fledged entry is expected in 2028. This leaves a window for Alpine to supply engines to Andretti, should their F1 team materialize sooner.

Bruno Famin, speaking to racingnews365.com, elucidated the situation: “We are talking to Andretti and to General Motors. If they have an entry we are happy to resume the talks. For the time being it’s a bit on standby but not due to us. It’s because the time and the length of the process is much longer than expected. First on the FIA side, the FIA took much more time to answer than they said they would at the beginning. The ball is on the Formula 1 side. If they have an entry we are happy to discuss with somebody. What I said last time is that we had a pre-contract. The pre-contract has expired. Factually right now we don’t have any commitment or any legal commitment with them, but we’re happy to talk to them and to see what we can do together. If they have an entry, it’s because they will have demonstrated that they will bring you a lot of added value to Formula 1 and that the value of the championship on all the teams will not be diluted due to that.”

The ongoing negotiations and potential partnerships in Formula 1 are reflective of the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the sport. As teams and manufacturers align and realign their strategies, the anticipation among fans and stakeholders continues to grow, promising an exciting future for Formula 1.