Andretti could now buy race-winning Formula 1 team to secure their place on the grid

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Andretti wanted to join the Formula 1 grid as the sport’s 11th team for the 2025 or 2026 season. But commercial rights Liberty Media rebuffed their application.

Andretti already compete in IndyCar and Formula E, among other series, and wanted to expand their operation to F1. But there were concerns that they wouldn’t be competitive enough to earn their place.

The sport hasn’t welcomed a new team since fellow Americans Haas entered the fray in 2016. They immediately proved their worth, with Romain Grosjean finishing sixth at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Liberty didn’t entirely close the door on Andretti. Their chances could significantly improve if they re-apply for 2028 with a General Motors power unit in the back.

Alternatively, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has suggested that they purchase one of the sport’s existing teams instead. If they took over an existing operation, they would be starting from a higher base.

“I would advise them to go and buy another team, not to come as the 11th team,” he said (via BBC Sport). “I feel that some teams need to be refreshed. What is better? To have 11 teams as a number or 10 and they are strong? I still believe we should have more teams. But not any teams. The right teams.”

Andretti could enter F1 through Alpine purchase

As part of a mailbag feature for Racer, journalist Chris Medland named Alpine as a logical target for Andretti. As it stands, they will no longer be a works team from 2026.

Alpine have agreed a deal to run Mercedes engines, and many see this as a prelude to a sale. This is bound to alert potential new entrants.

It’s already been claimed elsewhere that Andretti’s backers General Motors could buy the 2026 Alpine power unit. The team have already been testing it, and this would ensure that work doesn’t go to waste.

Medland cautions that the deal would have to work financially for the Americans. But if the numbers are in the right ballpark, then it could be an option they explore.

“If Alpine is then set up for a sale in future, that could become a way for Andretti to get onto the grid if the numbers make sense,” he wrote. “That’s a big if, though.”

Alpine staff could refuse to start the cars after summer break

Andretti may face competition if the Enstone outfit is put up for sale. Having also tabled an unsuccessful application, Hitech could look to buy Alpine for the 2026 season.

Significantly, their founder Oliver Oakes has just replaced Bruno Famin as team principal. Some have inevitably taken this as a major hint about the team’s future.

At the engine factory in Viry, employees are watching these developments with concern. And there’s a chance this could lead to a strike.

Alpine staff could even refuse to fire up the cars after the summer shutdown in protest at the team’s direction. Oakes could find himself dealing with a crisis as soon as he starts his new job.