Alpine's Last-Ditch Effort to Steal Carlos Sainz from Williams: What You Need to Know
In a dramatic twist during the Spanish Grand Prix, Alpine is making headlines with a bold bid to secure the signature of Carlos Sainz, who was previously leaning towards signing with Williams. This unexpected move has created a buzz in the Formula 1 community, shifting the narrative and setting the stage for intense negotiations.
As per Motorsport Week sources, the Spanish driver was on the verge of putting pen to paper with Williams during the Spanish GP weekend. However, these plans have now been thrown into uncertainty due to Alpine's late entry into the race to sign Sainz. This development marks a significant moment for both teams as they battle for one of the most talented drivers in the paddock.
The Alpine Play
Motorsport.com reported on Monday that Alpine has made an 11th-hour bid to lure Carlos Sainz back to their team, a place he knows well from his days when it was known as Renault. The approach comes in the wake of Renault CEO Luca de Meo enlisting the help of the controversial Flavio Briatore as a special advisor to the Alpine squad.
Briatore's responsibilities are wide-ranging but prominently include scouting for Formula 1 talent. His discussions with Carlos Sainz Sr., alongside his unmissable presence with de Meo during the Spanish GP, suggest that Sainz Jr. is a top priority for Alpine. Rumors are swirling that Alpine has sweetened the deal with a lucrative contract offer.
Team Dynamics and Potential Repercussions
Both Alpine and Williams had contrasting weekends at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Alpine saw both its cars advance to Q3 and subsequently earn double points finishes, showcasing their competitiveness. On the other hand, Williams struggled at the back of the grid, making the opportunity at Alpine potentially more attractive for Sainz.
Should Carlos Sainz decide to snub Alpine, the French outfit has a contingency plan. Jack Doohan is set to continue his Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program in the 2022 A522 machine at Paul Ricard. Additionally, Alpine has announced that Mick Schumacher will join the testing at the French circuit next week.
Alpine Team Principal Laurent Rossi told the media during the Spanish GP press conference that the team is well-prepared with a robust list of driver options. They are clearly determined to secure a top-tier driver for the upcoming season.
What About Sauber?
Meanwhile, Sauber has been encountering setbacks in its quest for new driving talent. A well-known aspiration to sign Carlos Sainz has been met with multiple challenges. With their current options dwindling, Red Bull Reserve Driver Liam Lawson has emerged as a potential target to partner with Nico Hulkenberg for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
The young New Zealander was sidelined for a full-time drive at Red Bull in favor of more experienced drivers like Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda, making his future within the Red Bull organization uncertain. Sauber could be the breakthrough platform Lawson needs to establish himself in Formula 1.
Implications for Williams
As for Williams, missing out on Carlos Sainz would be a significant blow. In such a scenario, Williams might consider turning back to familiar faces, such as Valtteri Bottas. The Finnish driver was recently spotted entering Williams' hospitality at Imola, possibly for discussions with team principal James Vowles.
The next few weeks will be crucial as these teams finalize their plans and driver line-ups for the upcoming seasons. One thing is for certain: the battle for Sainz's signature is far from over, and every move will be watched closely by fans and analysts alike.