Alpine boss Famin responds to F1's Andretti decision

Famin, who had spent the second half of last season as interim Team Principal after the dismissal of Otmar Szafnauaer at the Belgian Grand Prix, is the first to speak out on the news that Andretti Cadillac Racing has been rejected entry until at least 2028.

The American team had ambitious plans to join the grid and received the green light from the FIA after two initial phases of the application process but, following a commercial review by FOM, Andretti was turned down.

It was a painful outcome for Andrett, which had been aiming for an entry either next year or in 2026, with a customer engine supply until General Motors and Cadillac were ready to provide their own power unit from 2028.

Andretti had met stiff opposition from the incumbent teams when the topic of an 11th team was discussed last season but it was understood that Alpine-Renault had an agreement in place with the outfit to fill the initial power unit void.

'We would welcome an 11th team'

"We have always said we would welcome an 11th team if they add value to the championship," Famin told select media including RacingNews365.

"But FOM is the one who can judge that. It is their responsibility because they are the promoters of the sport. They made the decision and we are hearing that. That's all."

On the apparent links to Andretti and whether the American outfit could have joined with Alpine's help, Famin conceded: "We don't know.

"We had some conversations and always said we would talk again if they got a guarantee. It was an option, but we hadn't decided anything."