The Renault / Andretti connection is getting even stronger

Andretti has a prominent place in motorsport. Very active in IndyCar, his reputation is well-established. So why not write the name of the American manufacturer in Formula 1, which Andretti plans to do in 2024.

The Andretti family has already attempted a first entry into the premier category by trying to buy Sauber, without success. Therefore, they have decided to create their own team and build their factory in England. However, to achieve this, Andretti needs the approval of the FIA as well as that of the other teams in the paddock, knowing that not all of them are in agreement.

For example, Mercedes remains cautious. Toto Wolff makes it clear that every team that joins us must be lucrative, meaning that they bring value, and that Andretti will have to prove himself first.

Renault and Andretti, a winning team?

On the contrary, Renault is much less hesitant about this new competitor. And for good reason. Formula 1 means engine. So inevitably, Andretti quickly started looking for an engine supplier and there is no shortage of candidates. Ferrari and Renault were the two main contenders for this decision. The battle fought by the two teams was won by Renault.

The American entity will indeed be powered by Renault, which will supply both Alpine and Andretti. A great opportunity for the French. Mario Andretti announces, “We now have a formal agreement.” It’s confirmed, it will be Renault and I am authorized to say it now. There were a lot of speculations from Toto Wolff. He was worried that it could potentially be Ferrari because Ferrari would then have more votes than him.

On the Renault side, Laurent Rossi doesn’t hide his enthusiasm about Andretti’s presence on the starting grid in 2024. « I gladly welcome it, if it’s a creative project that Andretti brings, says Rossi. « I believe that Andretti could have that potential because there is the whole American aspect of this team. We’ll see. I think it would be good to spice things up on the track as well. I suppose it’s better to slightly shake up the hierarchy over time. ».

But let’s remind ourselves, Andretti still needs to obtain validation from the FIA before considering a place in the Formula 1 paddock.

Alpine in IMSA?

The agreement between Alpine and Andretti could also involve American races, as Alpine representative Philippe Sinault expressed his disappointment in not being able to participate, among others, in the 24 Hours of Daytona.

(T) Today, for example, there is a tremendous frustration in not being able to go to Daytona. If Alpine identifies the United States as fertile ground, I would be the first to go to Daytona. Allowing teams with Hypercars to race in the United States was absolutely essential. When you have a team committed to Hypercar racing, being able to say that we are doing Le Mans, Daytona, and Spa, for example, which are all magnificent territories for expression, is a dream, he said.

According to Andretti, negotiations are underway to make this option feasible.