As recently as two weeks ago, Carlos Sainz was primarily negotiating with two teams – Sauber and Williams. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Alpine are firmly in the race to sign the Spaniard. Flavio Briatore is working intensely to convince Sainz to join Enstone. The Italian seems to have the Ferrari driver’s attention, given that Sainz’s talks with Sauber and Williams are stalling.
When the year began, it seemed that Sainz was in a position of leverage. Several teams were interested in securing his signature, including a few at the front. However, the state of play has changed dramatically, with only midfield outfits left as realistic destinations.
Alpine were never seen as a realistic option for Sainz. After all, the Enstone-based operation is falling further down the standings year by year. They currently sit in 8th, scrambling for points at the lower end of the midfield.
On paper, there is very little to suggest Alpine can rectify their trajectory. Their managerial instability and wavering belief in their own 2026 engine are two very worrying indicators.
BRIATORE: ALPINE WILL DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO GET SAINZ
However, Sainz is taking the French outfit’s advances very seriously.
Flavio Briatore believes the 29-year-old is attainable and is willing to go the distance to reach a deal:
“There is a lot of interest [in Sainz]. We will see in the next few days,” FormulaPassion quotes him as saying.
“Even if, at the moment, for Alpine, the driver does not make the difference, we must first sort out the car.
“Incredibly, he [Sainz] is still free. We are all willing to have him on the team and we will do everything possible.”
Ahead of the 2026 regulations, engines will be crucial. Although aerodynamics always plays a role, the power units will be an instant differentiator across the field.
Once again, the fact Alpine are considering abandoning the Renault engine is not hugely encouraging. Giving away one of their supposed advantages, being an engine manufacturer, seems like an admission of their own limitations.
Then again, perhaps the prospect of Alpine being powered by Mercedes or Ferrari engines makes their offer more credible to Sainz. Whatever changes Briatore is planning, he evidently has the attention of Carlos Sainz.
The three-time race winner is even willing to jeopardise the interest from Williams and Sauber to see what plan is in place at Enstone.
Evidently, the contracts currently on the table for Sainz are not what he envisioned at the start of 2024.
However, he must make do with what is available. Though clearly undecided, there are at least enough variables at play to keep him engaged in the market.
