Andretti-Cadillac could reportedly acquire Renault’s half-developed 2026 power units for F1 entry

Andretti-Cadillac might look to takeover Renault's power units program in a bid to make a stronger case to enter F1.

Andretti-Cadillac could reportedly acquire Renault’s half-developed 2026 power units for F1 entry

Michael Andretti (via IMAGO) Renault logo (via Renault)

Andretti is one of the most iconic names in the world of motorsport. Mario Andretti won the F1 world title in 1978 with his son Michael Andretti expanding their presence into multiple racing categories. However, Andretti-Cadillac is still facing trouble entering F1 as an eleventh team. Now, rumors have emerged that Renault could help the American bid’s prospects.

Andretti-Cadillac initially had a deal with Renault for power units for 2026 and 2027. From 2028, the American team would have had its own engines developed by Cadillac’s parent company General Motors. However, Renault will not run its own power units in 2026 with Alpine switching to a customer supply, likely from Mercedes.

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Now, reports have emerged that Michael Andretti‘s team could acquire the half-developed Renault 2026 power unit. This would give Andretti-Cadillac a head start in terms of development and could save immense resources. Moreover, this would make the case stronger for the American team to join F1 after being rejected by FOM.

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Pierre Gasly (via IMAGO)

Alpine’s new Team Principal could acquire the Enstone-based team

Alpine has continued to go through major upheaval in F1 in recent years. Big names such as Otmar Szafnauer and Alan Permane have been forced out of the team. Moreover, Flavio Briatore‘s arrival saw Bruno Famin leave his team principal duties as well.

Oliver Oakes
Oliver Oakes (image via F1)

Oliver Oakes is the new Alpine team boss who handles the day-to-day operations of the Enstone-squad. Oakes is the former boss of Hitech GP, a team racing in junior categories. Hitech GP had also attempted to join F1 as an eleventh team but could not get FIA’s approval. As such, the Briton’s arrival to Alpine opens the door for him to potentially take over the squad entirely.

For now, Alpine has made it clear that the team is not for sale. However, the actions taken by the Enstone-squad indicate that Renault might be looking to exit the sport entirely in two year’s time. Fans would hope that if the French team is sold, the new owners will be able to take the team to new heights in F1.

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