Michael Andretti’s anticipated takeover of Sauber appears to be off – with money unsurprisingly cited as the reason.

In the last few weeks, talk of Andretti Autosport’s buyout of the team that currently races in Formula 1 as Alfa Romeo had gathered speed to the point where it had seemed inevitable.

There was even strong speculation that IndyCar racer Colton Herta would be crossing the Atlantic to line up as Valtteri Bottas’ team-mate next season.

But now, according to The Race, none of the above will be happening due to financial stumbling blocks being too difficult to overcome.

That was also being reported by respected German website Auto Motor und Sport, whose F1 editor Michael Schmidt said on the outlet’s YouTube channel about the proposed deal: “First it was said it was put on hold, now we hear it is completely off the table.