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Alpine's Flavio Briatore tried to block Sainz Williams switch
Carlos Sainz came remarkably close to not driving for Williams at all this year. The latest season of Drive to Survive reveals that Sainz had agreed to sign a contract with Williams but ultimately never showed up to finalise the deal. The documentary suggests he had a compelling reason for this decision.
Episode four of Drive to Survive revolves around Carlos Sainz's departure from Ferrari and his search for a new seat for 2025. As was already known last year, the episode confirms that the main interest in Sainz came from Williams and Stake Sauber. During the episode, viewers see that Sainz has chosen Williams and even sets up an appointment to sign his new contract.
It’s the Friday night before the Spanish Grand Prix. The champagne is chilled, the contract is ready, and James Vowles sits with his press officer, waiting for Sainz to arrive. But as the minutes pass, Sainz is nowhere to be seen. Time ticks by, and still, he doesn’t show. Eventually, Sainz appears on screen and is asked if he had second thoughts about his move to Williams. His response is brief but telling—he had received a phone call from Flavio Briatore.
Flavio Briatore's Formula 1 return:
Briatore made his return to Formula 1 in 2024 as an executive consultant for Alpine. The Italian, who led Renault for years, was forced to leave the sport in 2009 due to his alleged involvement in 2008's 'crashgate' scandal. Initially handed a lifetime ban from the paddock, he was later allowed to return, and his comeback signalled immediate ambitions. Rumours circulated last year that Briatore was eyeing Sainz for Alpine. Now, with the latest Drive to Survive episode, those speculations have been confirmed.
Ultimately, Sainz chose to proceed with his move to Williams. The episode captures the second meeting—once again, the champagne is chilled, the contract is ready, and Vowles sits waiting. This time, however, Sainz arrives as expected, finalizing the deal. Meanwhile, Briatore, clearly frustrated by the decision, makes an appearance. The Alpine adviser, with a wry smile, remarks that he believes Sainz is making a big mistake.
This article was written in collaboration with Kim Hoefnagel
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