Following the FIA’s approval of Andretti-Cadillac’s F1 entry, the Renault Group have revealed that they are open to negotiations over becoming their power unit supplier, despite a recent deal between the duo having expired.
It was widely reported that Renault had given Andretti an engine to prepare for their expected arrival into Formula 1, which could happen as soon as 2025.
Andretti are the only team to have received approval from the FIA; however, it’s the sport itself who have the final say over whether the American outfit can become an 11th team on the grid or not.
Should Andretti be successful, then Renault – who supply engines to their sports car brand Alpine – would be happy to sit down with the side and discuss a future relationship.
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Interestingly, a “preliminary contract” had already been struck between Andretti for Renault but expired on March 31, by at which point Andretti hadn’t yet received approval from the FIA.
The contract was for Renault to supply Andretti with engines, something which also suggests that General Motors – Cadillac are one of their divisions – potentially have no intent on building an F1 engine.
Alpine team principal Bruno Famin revealed that talks with Andretti had taken place in the past and that they were planning to supply the Americans with power units.
“We have indeed had discussions with Andretti,” Famin told Canal Plus. “We had already made a deal with them – a preliminary contract for the delivery of engines.”
“But that contract expired on March 31 this year. It was completely dependent on whether they could get entry into Formula 1, and they didn’t get that at the time.”
The FIA and F1 are currently at loggerheads over Andretti’s entry, with the majority of the F1 paddock concerned that Andretti’s arrival will result in them receiving less money.
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The governing body want to see F1 take on 12 teams, although only Andretti’s entry has received a green light from them.
McLaren and Alpine are the only two teams to have spoken in support of the potential 11th team, with Famin admitting that Renault would be happy to strike an engine deal with Andretti if they are approved by F1.
“We are currently not affiliated with Andretti in any way,” Famin stressed. “But once they have that infamous approval, we can start talking to them about the engine again.”