Alpine reveal Sainz issue in failed contract talks

Alpine adviser Flavio Briatore has explained a key reason why talks between the French team and Carlos Sainz did not progress further last season.

The former Ferrari driver, who was the hottest free agent prospect on the F1 driver market this term, ultimately joined Williams after a protracted period of deliberation, with Alpine and Audi also vying for his signature at the time.

With it becoming evident early in the season that Red Bull and Mercedes wanted to go a different route to Sainz for their own reasons, it appeared his option was a binary choice between his new team and Stake – ahead of its transition into the German marque in 2026.

However, around the Spanish Grand Prix, newly-appointed Briatore asserted Alpine into the equation, leading to many contending that the 30-year-old would be best served joining Team Enstone.

That did not come to fruition, with Sainz deciding to partner Alexander Albon at Williams on an two-year deal with options for more beyond that.

Contract length was the stumbling block for Mercedes and the Spaniard, as the Brackley squad only wanted to pen a single season agreement with now-signed Kimi Antonelli waiting in the wings.

For Briatore, it was the opposite. The Italian confirmed that Alpine would have wanted Sainz to commit for a guaranteed extended period, not have the ability to opt out if a more attractive proposition emerged in the shorter term, as he does with Williams.

“I spoke to Sainz,” the 74-year-old told German publication Auto Motor und Sport. “He was interesting for us, but only for four years.

“It makes no sense to take a driver like Carlos for one or two years. Either he believes in our programme or he doesn’t.

“I don’t need a driver who costs me a lot of money and is looking to go to another team when the opportunity arises.”