F1 RUMOR: ANDRETTI'S FORMULA ONE HOPES IMPROVE AS GENERAL MOTORS SET TO STRIKE DEAL WITH EXISTING TEAM
Formula 1 could soon undergo a significant shift as Alpine, currently undecided on logistics regarding its power unit strategy, considers a potential collaboration with General Motors for the 2026 season, according to a report from Planet F1. This potential deal could see the French team joining forces with GM to share the burdens and benefits of power unit development.
Previously, GM aimed to tap into the world of Formula One through a partnership with Andretti Global, planning to roll out a Cadillac-branded power unit by 2028. However, when the American team's bid to enter F1 in 2026 stumbled, GM's direct route into the sport via Andretti was blocked. Alpine's current contemplation of a GM partnership signifies a potential new passage for GM's F1 ambitions, as well as Andretti's, which has been advised to join the grid via an existing team.
The benefit for Alpine is clear: a partnership with GM could notably reduce the reliance on other manufacturers for essential components like the power unit. This autonomy in innovation and technology could set Alpine apart in a fiercely competitive field. Alpine team leader Luca de Meo has asserted the autonomy of the team in ownership terms as well.
Despite clear knocks in its pursuit of an F1 slot, Andretti may still find a foothold in Formula One through alternative collaborations stemming from the potential Alpine-GM partnership. The changes in key positions within Alpine's ranks further fuel speculations about shifts. Notably, the team has introduced Flavio Briatore as an advisor and has confirmed that current team principal Bruno Famin will step down from his team chief duties at the end of August.
Speaking to the media during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, Famin commented on his upcoming exit from the role. He explained, as quoted by Formula 1:
"The background is there are many things together. The main one is we are at a very interesting moment for the Alpine brand, where we have a project that is even stronger than one year ago.
"Then there is a project of reallocating the resources within the brand from the Formula 1 power unit, where we have equally skilled people, to the brand itself in developing these high-end technologies.
"On the other hand, we have our new Executive Advisor [Briatore] who has arrived a few weeks ago – I work well [with him], I'm fine with him, I work well since he has arrived.
"But I think he has seen things with his own eyes, and on one hand I need to dedicate my time to the Viry-Chatillon people, who are doing an amazing job, and we need to be together to be able to deliver this transformation if it's confirmed, and on the other hand I think the global governance of the F1 team will be clear."
2024-07-26T19:21:02Z dg43tfdfdgfd