Alpine Launches Late Bid to Secure Carlos Sainz for 2024 Formula 1 Season
In a surprise move, Alpine has entered the fray to secure Carlos Sainz’s services for the 2024 Formula 1 season, according to sources close to the team. This development comes as Sainz weighs his options between Williams and Sauber/Audi for a seat next year. Alpine’s late bid is seen as a strategic push to move up the Formula 1 grid, and insiders suggest that an attractive contract offer has been made to tempt Sainz to commit to the team.
Alpine’s Resurgence and Sainz’s Other Options
In recent months, Alpine’s fortunes have changed significantly, with the team experiencing a resurgence in form. At the Spanish Grand Prix, both Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon reached Q3, finishing ninth and 10th, respectively, to secure a double points finish. This marks the second consecutive race where Alpine has brought both drivers home in the points, following a similar performance in Canada.
In contrast, Sainz’s other options have struggled in recent races. Sauber, which will become the Audi team in 2026, has yet to score a point this season, while Williams has only two points to its name, courtesy of Alex Albon’s ninth place at the Monaco Grand Prix. The team endured a double retirement in Canada and put in a lacklustre performance in Spain, finishing 18th and 20th.
Flavio Briatore’s Influence and Alpine’s Ambition
The appointment of former F1 team boss Flavio Briatore as a special advisor to Renault CEO Luca de Meo has seemingly galvanized Alpine’s efforts to secure top talent. Briatore, known for his aggressive approach to driver recruitment, was seen in intense discussions with de Meo during the Spanish GP, and his influence is believed to be key in Alpine’s late bid for Sainz.
Briatore’s track record in luring top drivers is impressive, having famously signed Michael Schumacher for Benetton in 1991. His involvement suggests that Alpine is serious about finding the best possible talent available, especially with Ocon set to leave at the end of the year and Gasly’s contract also up for renewal.
Sainz’s Decision Timeline
Sainz is keen to finalize his Formula 1 future soon, but wants to take his time to evaluate the pros and cons of each option carefully. His father, Carlos Sainz Sr., was spotted visiting various motorhomes, including Sauber and Williams, on race morning in Spain, as discussions about his son’s future continue.
Speaking after finishing sixth in the Spanish GP, Sainz indicated that a decision on his future might be imminent, but refused to commit to a specific timeline. When asked if his future would be sorted by the Austrian Grand Prix, Sainz said, “It could be. Not for sure, but it could be.”
With the Formula 1 calendar entering its busiest period, Alpine’s late bid for Sainz adds an intriguing twist to the driver market. As the season unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see how the drama unfolds and which team Sainz ultimately decides to join for the 2024 Formula 1 season.
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