Reports emerged out of the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix paddock that Alpine is making a bid to sign Carlos Sainz, who was slated to be signing for Williams.
Motorsport Week sources revealed that the Spaniard was on the eve of signing for the Grove-based Williams F1 outfit during the Spanish GP weekend, but it is understood any potential deal has been delayed for the time being.
However, Motorsport.com reported on Monday that Alpine has made an 11th-hour attempt to lure Sainz back to Enstone with the Spaniard last driving for the team in 2018 during its Renault days.
The report comes in the wake of Renault CEO Luca de Meo hiring controversial figure Flavio Briatore as a special advisor to the Alpine squad.
Briatore’s role includes scouting for Formula 1 driving talent and the Italian and de Meo were practically inseparable during the Spanish GP weekend.
Briatore was also pictured in discussions with Carlos Sainz Sr and the report suggests Alpine has even gone as far to offer Sainz Jr a lucrative contract.
Alpine and Williams had contrasting fortunes at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with the former advancing both its cars to Q3 en route to a double points finish and the latter languishing toward the back of the grid.
Before it appeared as if Sainz had picked Williams over Sauber, now Alpine has emerged as a true contender for his signature.
Still, if Sainz refuses Alpine’s advances, the French marque has alternatives being prepped.
Jack Doohan is set to continue his Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme in the 2022 A522 machine at Paul Ricard and Alpine has revealed that Mick Schumacher will join him at the French circuit next week.
Alpine Team Principal said: “The list looks good and the process is progressing well,” when speaking with the media during Friday’s Spanish GP press conference and it is clear the team has a plentiful list of suitors.
Sauber meanwhile appears to be getting foiled at every turn in its search for driving talent with the Hinwil-based squad making no secret of the fact Sainz is its top target.
But with options narrowing, it appears that Red Bull Reserve Driver Liam Lawson is being lined up as the next target to partner Nico Hulkenberg for the 2025 Formula 1 season, according to Motorsport.com Espana.
The New Zealander was overlooked for a full-time drive in 2024 at RB in favour of Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda and his options within the Red Bull family look limited in the near future.
Sauber could very well provide Lawson the platform to make his long-awaited full-time F1 debut.
Williams meanwhile could be found falling back to the likes of Valtteri Bottas, who was pictured entering the team’s hospitality at Imola for potential discussions with James Vowles, if it misses out on three-time GP winner Sainz.
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