Renault and Andretti partner to support F1 entry[F1-Gate .com]

Renault CEO Luca de Meo has confirmed that he has worked together to support Michael Andretti’s bid to become a new F1 team in 2024.

FIA (International Automobile Federation) and Liberty Media have not yet opened the door to F1 for Michael Andretti’s “Andretti Global”, but Renault has F1 in case Andretti gets a go-ahead. Signed up to supply the engine.

“It’s not me who manages it, but Laurent Rossi,” said Renault CEO Luca de Meo, referring to Alpine’s F1 boss.

“But I think there is a debate,” Luca de Meo told f1only.fr.

“It’s interesting because there’s a great project behind it and there are talented people who have the means, and it could be useful for F1.”

All of F1’s current engine suppliers, including Mercedes, Ferrari and even the Honda-affiliated Red Bull Powertrains, work with non-primary teams.

The only exception is Renault.

“Of course, in the current situation, we’re looking for the possibility to join with someone,” admitted Luca de Meo.

“I used to sell engines to Red Bull and McLaren, but now it’s not.”

But Luca de Meo does not say that making Andretti the “B team” of Renault is a real plan.

“I’m not necessarily a big fan of this idea,” said Luka Dedem.

“I think F1 is suitable for 10 teams working from A to Z.”

“It’s not in Atletico, which is a bit like the Spanish league of Barcelona A, Barcelona B, Barcelona C, Real Madrid 1 and Real Madrid 2. That’s not my vision.”

“If the system is like that, I think it’s because it suits someone.”

Therefore, Luca de Meo supports the engine rule changes planned for 2026. This will almost certainly bring two Volkswagen brands (Audi and Porsche) into F1.

“It’s a good thing. Of course, I think it’s a good thing,” said Luca de Meo.

“It’s good for sports and for fans.”

“I’m a car guy, so seeing a big car maker believe it makes me happy, but only if we have a working economic equation and a reasonable budget.”

“If it becomes an explosive increase in costs, it becomes unmanageable and has a negative impact on the business.”