'Other F1 team aims for Sainz: no Williams or Audi after all?'

'Alpine also in talks with Sainz'

Just when it seemed Sainz had the choice between Williams and Audi (currently Sauber), another team is said to have applied to take on the Spaniard. According to Motorsport.com, talks are also underway with Alpine, which has two other drivers lined up in the persons of Mick Schumacher and Jack Doohan.

It is even claimed that Alpine has already made an attractive offer to Sainz, who would therefore seriously consider committing his future to the team. A few months ago, this option might not be so attractive given Alpine's merely seasonal start, but in the last few races, the French F1 team has made clear steps forward.

Both Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon finished in the points at the Spanish Grand Prix, while that was clearly too far away for Sauber and Williams. Alpine is currently seventh in the championship with eight points - Williams and Sauber are ninth and 10th with two and zero points, respectively. However, with the entry into force of the new engine regulations in 2026, that ranking could be turned completely upside down again.

The news comes not long after former team boss Flavio Briatore was appointed special adviser by Alpine. Briatore has always been known to lure key figures away from other teams: for instance, he snatched Michael Schumacher away from Jordan in 1991 to join Benetton, where the German won his first two championships.

Schumacher and Doohan test for Alpine

The other contenders for the seat, Schumacher and Doohan, will soon complete an F1 test for Alpine at Circuit Paul Ricard. Both drivers will take a seat behind the wheel of the A522. So if they want to take over the seat next to Pierre Gasly, they may have to compete not only against each other, but also against Sainz.

This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy