Alpine’s Interim Team Principal Bruno Famin has said that as of right now the team has “absolutely no contract with Andretti” over a Formula 1 engine deal.
Michael Andretti’s prospective eponymous Formula 1 team entry passed FIA approval recently, with acceptance into F1 by way of a commercial agreement now in the hands of Formula One Management.
It’s needless to say the proposal of Andretti – with the might of General Motors/Cadillac behind it – to join F1 has created a difference of opinion within the sport’s ranks.
Earlier this year, both McLaren and Alpine expressed support for the Andretti bid, with the latter said to have brokered an engine deal should the American outfit join the grid as an 11th team.
But now, Famin has stated that the terms of agreement for such a deal have expired.
“We had a pre-contract with Andretti, which has expired because they were supposed to be granted an F1 entry before a given date,” he told Autosport.
“It means right now, if we want to do something with Andretti, we need to negotiate a full contract, a formal contract.
“Everybody knows what the situation is, we need something, and we need a decision from F1 before resuming with Andretti.”
Asked whether Famin and Alpine as a whole still support an 11th team joining the F1 grid, his answer leant towards the addition of Andretti being seen as a positive if the arrival of the team adds something to the sport.
“We have nothing against 11 teams if it really brings real added value to the business as a whole, and to F1 in general,” he added.
“It’s up to F1, to the promoter, to assess what is the real added value an 11th team may bring.
“And if they evaluate that there is really a big added value, we will be happy with that.
“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.”
Andretti, son of 1978 F1 Drivers’ Champion Mario, has said that his team will “benefit our customers while heightening enthusiasm for F1, globally.”
Reports have stated that should Andretti make its way onto the F1 grid, Cadillac and GM will explore developing their own power unit for the future.
Should that be the case, the bid may gain more approval from existing F1 teams, with Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner having told Sky Sports F1 that “ideally, I think they need to do their own engine.”
In the meantime, should Andretti pass muster with FOM and earn its place on the F1 grid, talks with Alpine over an initial engine deal will likely resume, with the Anglo-French outfit currently only supplying its own entry.
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