Ferrari - Andretti: possible Power Unit agreement doesn't convince for one key reason

The Andretti case is at risk of becoming an endless soap opera. It’s a somewhat strange situation since the team led by “Piedone’s” son has offered all the necessary guarantees, including the crucial financial ones important to Liberty Media. Michael, the son of Mario, has put in commendable and practical efforts. The International Federation is aware of this, as they announced on October 2, while waiting for the correct commercial agreements with FOM to be reached.

Many still claim that a pre-contract with Renault for power unit supply has recently surfaced. Formula Uno Analisi Tecnica reported this more than eight months ago in an exclusive interview with former Formula 1 World Champion Mario Andretti. At the time, we explained the entire original plan, emphasizing the significant aspirations of the American group.

This includes establishing a European operational base to manage everything related to the track, such as car updates and on-track work. This also involves participating in junior championships like Formula 2 and Formula 3, creating a kind of talent forge to promote young American drivers who are often overlooked in the top tier of motorsport.

Ferrari/Andretti: The Thorny Issue of Power Units
Returning to the present, an important detail should help with the following discussion. The Renault supply is at high risk. The reason is “simple”: the pre-agreement has lost its validity due to the delay in accepting Andretti Formula Racing LLC in F1. Negotiations with Alpine won’t resume until the Formula One Group gives its approval. The FIA has made this clear, reassuring the Americans.

When an F1 team doesn’t have an engine due to regulations, one must be provided. But the question that naturally arises is whether this provision applies when a team is entering the F1 circuit. The FIA’s goal is clear, as explained by Ben Sulayem, who says they will do everything to help Andretti find a power unit.

While waiting to establish their own engine factory, the American team may knock on the doors of manufacturers for a temporary supply. This includes Honda and, more importantly, Ferrari in recent days. The Prancing Horse, in practice, will lose its supply to the current Alfa Romeo Sauber, which is owned by the Germans, selling its power units only to Haas. This has led to widespread speculation about a potential agreement with the Maranello-based team.

However, according to recent information from FUnoanalisitecnica, despite the reigning vice-world champions not obstructing Andretti’s entry into F1, they aren’t convinced that a power unit supply agreement will bring significant advantages. There are two basic reasons: first, concerns about the terms of the compromise, as it’s essentially considered a bridging supply. The second concerns the political aspect. Contrary to what is rumored, collaborating with such a rookie would not enhance Ferrari’s standing with the FIA.

This is because the interested team has no intention of playing a subordinate role under the protective wing of the red team, ready to support all the battles and positions taken by the Italian team. The Andretti Formula Racing LLC group starts with a simple premise: entering the motorsport elite through the front door. Playing a supporting role is not in their plans.

However, the powerful deity Money must always be considered. It’s an undoubtedly significant factor, even when dealing with Ferrari. For this reason, the Italian powerhouse doesn’t entirely rule out the possibility of waiting, but, as mentioned, they would prefer to “dictate terms” in any hypothetical transaction. Given the extended timelines of this matter, there will be more opportunities to revisit this issue.