Carlos Sainz continues to dominate F1 news headlines. A few months ago, he was linked to a potential Red Bull or Mercedes move – as both teams considered their 2025 options. Fast-forward to today, and only midfield teams remain realistic options for Sainz. In a shock turn of events, Alpine are emerging as the favourites to sign the Spaniard.
Until recently, two teams were positioned to earn Sainz’s signature: Sauber and Williams. However, the situation at both squads has changed dramatically.
Sauber’s interest in the 29-year-old has been common knowledge since the beginning of 2024. Even as the Swiss outfit announced Nico Hulkenberg’s contract, it was clear that Sainz remained at the top of their wish list.
A similar story can be told about Williams. James Vowles has made no secret of his admiration for Carlos Sainz. The Williams team principal has showered Sainz with compliments in previous months, praising the Ferrari driver’s F1 accomplishments.
Despite this, both Williams and Sauber are understood to be losing patience. The reason for their declining enthusiasm is shared – Sainz has shown very little confidence in either project.
With no obvious alternatives at the front-running teams, the three-time race winner still hasn’t decided whether to join the Hinwil or Grove-based teams.
Whilst he is held in high regard at both outfits, neither James Vowles nor Andreas Seidl will be thrilled by Sainz’s persistent hesitance.
Alpine the favourites as Briatore enters the frame
Perhaps the biggest surprise Williams and Sauber is that, almost out of nowhere, Sainz is seriously entertaining a move to Alpine.
Indeed, since Flavio Briatore’s arrival, the Enstone-based team have emerged as favourites to secure the Spaniard’s services. Alpine were not even in the picture as a destination for Sainz before Briatore was appointed. However, the 74-year-old is working to make sweeping changes to the French team.
These include a potential change in engine manufacturer, with Alpine looking at Ferrari and Mercedes power for 2026. For Sainz, the prospect of Alpine becoming a manufacturer team – almost paradoxically – makes them a more attractive option.
Sainz is interested in the package Alpine could offer for 2026. His intrigue is so significant that he is still in no rush to sign a contract – even if he risks alienating other teams.
This already seems to be happening, with Williams and Sauber looking at the other drivers in the market.
Not only is Bruno Famin’s team seriously under consideration, but the other outfits on the grid could be losing interest in the Spaniard.
Things can change quickly, but the current trend is difficult to ignore. A move to join Pierre Gasly at Alpine is firmly on the cards for Carlos Sainz.
