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Alpine have made a last-ditch bid to signal Carlos Sainz subsequent 12 months with the Ferrari driver but to decide over his future.
Sainz, who raced for Renault in 2017-2018, is leaving Ferrari on the finish of the season with Lewis Hamilton changing him on the Scuderia.
Whereas the Spaniard was eager on a transfer to Crimson Bull or Mercedes, each these choices now appear off the desk with Crimson Bull having prolonged Sergio Perez’s contract and Mercedes poised to advertise teenager Kimi Antonelli.
Subsequently, it appeared Sainz was left with a straight alternative between long-term tasks at Williams or Sauber (quickly to be Audi in 2026). Nonetheless, Alpine have made a late try to re-sign the 29-year-old.
Esteban Ocon is confirmed to be leaving Alpine on the finish of the season, leaving a spot open on the French crew to accomplice Pierre Gasly – although Gasly’s contact additionally expires on the finish of the season.
Following Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix, Autosport reported that talks have opened between Sainz’s camp and Alpine.
Alpine’s late foray to signal Sainz comes on the identical weekend they appointed ex-F1 boss Flavio Briatore as a particular advisor to the crew, with considered one of his duties mentioned to be the crew’s driver line-up.
The Enstone-based crew endured a dreadful begin to the season however the tempo of their automobile has picked up in current weeks, with each Gasly and Ocon ending within the top-10 in Barcelona.
Earlier than his residence race, Sainz admitted he’s eager for a decision concerning his future as quickly as attainable.
“The newest is {that a} resolution will probably be taken very quickly. I don’t need to wait any longer,” Sainz mentioned.
“I feel it’s getting to some extent the place it’s clearly taking area out of my head for fairly just a few weeks and months, and I feel it’s clearly time to decide.
“I’m nonetheless unsure a technique or one other, it’s nonetheless one thing that I’m discussing with my crew and brainstorming.
“It’s been a really hectic few couple of weeks after Canada for me. So I haven’t had time to actually sit down and take a call. And that is what I’ll goal within the subsequent few weeks.”
Sainz completed the race in Barcelona in sixth, a spot decrease than team-mate Charles Leclerc.
