F1 Rumour: Andretti-Cadillac To Partner With Alpine After Huge Shake-up
The world of Formula 1 was ripe with whispers around the Spa-Francorchamps paddock last weekend. With huge shakeups within the Alpine team, it's no surprise that a lot of these rumours have grown from Otmar Szafnauer and Alan Permane leaving the French team, one of which is the idea that Andretti-Cadillac could be taking over, or at least partnering with the team in some way, hence the huge changes.
So, a potential alliance between Andretti-Cadillac and the Alpine team? Andretti-Cadillac's F1 ambitions are no secret. The American racing team has submitted an application to the FIA, expressing its interest to join the Formula 1 grid under its own name from 2026. This venture has already seen investments running into tens of millions, despite facing substantial resistance from current teams on the grid, and certain members of the FIA and F1 themselves.
At the moment, the rumour introduces the idea that Andretti-Cadillac is in active talks with Alpine. This French marque, with its one and only road model, the Alpine A110, managed to sell a modest 3,500 units globally in 2022. And while we're on the subject, the car is incredible. I was lucky enough to test one a few weeks ago and since then I've been looking to purchase one. So it's no surprise that a business with a bank account large enough to purchase the whole company, or at least a portion of it, is considering this.
On the racing front, Alpine's F1 current performance leaves much to be desired with it now only sitting in the bottom five right now, but with the sport generally being a very costly business. Of course, there's room to grow, and last year the team showed a tremendous P4 finish in the Constructor Standings. So far, this year has been a struggle.
A takeover by Andretti-Cadillac seems like an attractive proposition for them, then. It will give them an opportunity to build their own chassis, a feat unattainable with their current finances, but the engine, however, will continue to be from Renault, despite it being the most underpowered on the grid.
After a recent injection of funds from a number of investors earlier this year, including Maximum Effort Investments owned by actor Ryan Reynolds, it would be no surprise if Alpine continues to exchange more of their business with someone like Cadillac.