Andretti Global's application to join the grid in Formula 1 will soon be processed by the FIA, but the current woes surrounding the Alpine team could open the door to a deal between the two parties.
Everyone is still scratching their head over Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi's recent dressing down of the French outfit that was conveyed last week in an interview with French broadcaster Canal+ but also with Formula1.com's Lawrence Baretto.
Although Rossi has reason to be displeased with Alpine's results year-to-date given the Enstone squad's performance shortfall and execution errors, the scathing castigation only added insult to injury.
Publicly criticizing the team and warning that heads will roll if results don't improve risks severely impacting morale and motivation at Alpine.
Instead of inspiring Alpine's crews to improve, Rossi's comments may lead team members to feel undervalued and lose confidence, which can further hinder the outfit's performance.
They risk creating an atmosphere of blame and finger-pointing rather than fostering open communication and collaboration.
Alpine is absolutely in need of a turnaround, but effective problem-solving requires a collaborative approach that encourages open dialogue and provides support.
Rossi's disparaging attitude has left everyone – including the team itself – with more questions than answers.
One query among many others that comes to mind is how Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo and the manufacturer's board of directors will have reacted to Rossi's massive rap on the knuckles, assuming the swipe wasn't pre-approved by de Meo.
If not, Rossi's own position may have been weakened, leaving Renault's executives to ponder Alpine's future in F1, including the team's potential exit from the sport.
Cue Michael Andretti and the American's F1 project which remains out of the good graces of Formula 1 and its teams.
Last weekend in Miami, Andretti confirmed once again that his F1 endeavor is proceeding as planned, with a team being built "as we speak", and with feedback on its expression of interest application expected from the FIA over the summer.
A potential takeover deal between Andretti and Alpine would perhaps provide a win-win situation for both parties, with Andretti gaining access to F1's grid and Renault bailing out with a reasonable return on its investment while remaining an engine supplier to the sport.
Alpine F1 Team has reportedly been valued at $850 million, a valuation that Andretti Global and its partners – fronted by American automotive retailer AutoNation – would likely have no problem assuming.
Andretti already has a conditional engine supply deal with Renault while it's worth noting that Alpine has contracted with AutoNation for the distribution of its cars in the United States.
Therefore, a dismissal in the coming months by the FIA of Andretti Global's proposed plan to join the grid, or a unilateral dismissal by Formula 1, would perhaps not spell the end to Michael Andretti's Grand Prix racing ambitions.
Watch this space…
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