Analysis | Why it's better for Andretti-Cadillac to target an entry in '26
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- Ludo van Denderen
It was nothing more than a formal remark when Bruno Famin, vice-president of Alpine Motorsport, said that the option on an engine deal with Andrett-Cadillac had expired, but that is by no means to say that the French marque will not partner with the Americans on their possible entry into F1. However, Famin's statements do show how difficult it is going to be for Andretti-Cadillac to be on the Formula 1 grid in 2025.
On the night Andretti announced its partnership with Cadillac (part of General Motors), the US car brand exclusively informed GPblog that the new F1 team's engines would be supplied by Alpine. Cadillac certainly did not rule out eventually building the power units for the Andretti team itself, but before 2025 - the intended year of its entry into Formula 1 - it was too early for that: the right people as well as the facilities were lacking.
Logical for Andretti to wait and see with Alpine
That the option has now expired says little or nothing about an eventual collaboration. It is still the intention that Alpine and Andretti-Cadillac will work together if the Americans are allowed to participate in the Formula 1 championship in 2025. That the option could not be lifted makes perfect sense: The admission process from first the FIA and now FOM/Liberty Media is taking much, much longer than originally planned, and Andretti-Cadillac is obviously not going to do a deal (for a lot of money) if there is even a shred of ambiguity about joining F1.
If there is a green light, Alpine and Andretti-Cadillac will still find each other. Should a deal somehow prove impossible between the two parties, it is still almost certain that Andretti will run with Alpine engines in 2025. Indeed, all teams admitted to Formula 1 have the right to an engine supplier.
Old F1 rule comes into effect
Indeed, if no agreement can be reached with any of them, an old rule will come into effect: in that case, the engine supplier that supplies the fewest teams will be commissioned to supply power units to Andretti-Cadillac. And in this case, that is Alpine. The French would be wise to strike a deal with Andretti-Cadillac, as it could just be that the FIA decides, by force of law, to award a lower fee than actually desired for the engine deal. Alpine will never want to run that risk.
However, Andretti-Cadillac should slowly consider whether it would not be better to focus on an entry into Formula 1 in 2026 - rather than '25. It is expected to be closer to the start of next season than towards the end of the current one before there is a final decision from Formula One Management (FOM) and Liberty Media on approval of the Andretti bid. If the answer is positive, Andretti-Cadillac will have a relatively short time to prepare for the F1 adventure. Actually too short.
Are Andretti at a disadvantage?
It is common knowledge that you don't set up an F1 team and build a competitive car overnight. The chances of Andretti-Cadillac starting the season in '25 with a not-so-strong package are more than real. Driving around at a great disadvantage to the rest would be exact proof to the critics that Andrett-Cadillac has no added value to the sport. Much smarter would be to join only in 2026, when, moreover, the regulations are undergoing a major overhaul. Waiting a year could also be very beneficial in choosing an engine supplier.
Finally, Audi and Honda will join Formula 1 as engine suppliers from 2026. They will each supply one team with power units. Interesting for Andretti, which will thus also have more options than Alpine alone from that year onwards. In that case, Alpine's expired option is even more of a win than a loss.