Flavio Briatore confirms Alpine F1’s interest in Carlos Sainz for 2026, though 2025 was deemed too early.
Flavio Briatore has stated that the door remains open for Carlos Sainz at Alpine F1.
With no vacant seats at a top-tier team for 2025, Sainz, currently a Ferrari driver, received offers from Audi, Alpine, and others but was ultimately swayed by James Vowles’ vision for the development of the Williams F1 team.
However, the Williams boss warned Sainz and Alex Albon that 2025 would be “a challenging year.”
“If we take a step back, that’s fine with me, because it means I’m investing at the right pace for 2026 compared to those around me. That doesn’t mean we’ll be tenth, but it will be a tough year.”
Alpine, also struggling this season, is expecting another difficult year in 2025. The turbulence this season even led Renault CEO Luca de Meo to end the factory engine program for 2026.
The good news, though, is that – like McLaren – Alpine will almost certainly be powered by Mercedes power units in the new regulatory era starting in 2026.
Briatore, the new advisor for Alpine F1, admitted to having approached Sainz in an attempt to sign him.
“No disappointment. Carlos was an opportunity, but it was too soon.”
“Before talking about drivers, we need to talk about a competitive car. Because if the car isn’t performing, it doesn’t matter which driver is behind the wheel.”
“So, we first need to clean house with Oliver (Oakes) and motivate the system and everyone at Alpine again.”
Briatore believes that Red Bull’s current difficulties and McLaren’s rise demonstrate the car’s dominance over the driver.
“A year ago, Max Verstappen was winning all the races, and now that other cars are competitive, other young drivers are winning races.”
“I don’t want to spend X millions on a driver right now because it won’t make any difference for us. We’re very happy with Pierre Gasly, and now we have a young driver,” Briatore added, referring to Jack Doohan.
“But if Carlos wants to come to us in 2026, we’ll be here for him.”
- You may also like>Toyota Partners with Haas: Not a Full F1 Comeback
- Also make sure you follow us on social media>Facebook and>Twitter
Alpine F1 Keeps Door Open for Sainz in 2026 Move Alpine F1 Keeps Door Open for Sainz in 2026 Move
