Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko has insisted that Andretti Autosport should buy Alpine, who are currently ongoing a huge leadership reshuffle.
Andretti Autosport are awaiting the news as to whether the FIA has granted them two spots on the grid from 2025, having filed an application to join Formula 1.
Based on the other candidates and how much Andretti have already invested into an F1 project, the general expectation is that they’ll be successful.
However, the majority of the paddock and the sport itself isn’t believed to be happy with new teams joining, over fears that they’ll lose money from the prize fund.
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Most have stated that 10 teams is the correct number, with some having explained the logistical issues which would be present at some circuits.
Despite Marko thinking Andretti should just buy Alpine, the Enstone-based team aren’t set to go anywhere, given that Renault are a 2026 engine supplier.
The French side have endured a troubling start to the season, which has seen now ex-team principal Otmar Szafnauer receive the sack, as well as former sporting director Alan Permane.
CEO Laurent Rossi hasn’t been fired, but he has been moved into a new role.
Szafnauer sacking is supposedly due to a disagreement over how soon the team should be achieving their set goals.
It’s all part of an ambitious plan at Alpine, who Marko nevertheless thinks should sell to Andretti for the good of the sport.
“Andretti should buy the Alpine team. That would be best served for everyone. Formula 1 would keep its 10 teams, Andretti could finally get in and Renault would still be involved,” Marko said, as reported by the Mirror.
The Indianapolis-based company are very much “open” to any way of joining the grid, whether that be through entering their own team or buying a current one.
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“We’re open to any opportunity,” Mario Andretti told RacingNews365.com.
However, he stressed that buying a team is an avenue which has already been explored.
“A lot of it in that respect has been exhausted already quite honestly as far as buying another team,” he added.