The build-up to the Austrian Grand Prix has caught the attention of the entire motorsport community, thanks to Alpine’s mega driver announcement. Days after Esteban Ocon was denied a contract extension, his teammate Pierre Gasly has extended his partnership with Alpine beyond 2025, securing a permanent spot on the grid for at least the next couple of years. And what’s fascinating is that this mere revelation may have triggered a massive chain reaction involving close to five drivers.
Until last month, neither Ocon nor Gasly had a future at Alpine beyond 2024, and their inconsistent performances and costly on-track shenanigans only raised more questions about their futures at the French outfit. Ultimately, Alpine decided to value Gasly more than Ocon, leading the team to part ways with the 27-year-old following the end of the 2024 campaign. Now, the big question is, who is going to replace Ocon?
By the looks of it, four drivers are currently in the race for Ocon’s spot at Alpine. And, one driver is visibly being prioritised to the highest – Carlos Sainz. Yes, reports did suggest that the Spaniard was close to signing a deal with Williams, however, there looks to be a late twist in the saga. Sainz is reportedly considering a move to Alpine, an interest propelled by Alpine’s latest signing of Flavio Briatore.
🚨| Carlos Sainz is now very likely to sign with Alpine for 2025.
Sainz was very close to Williams, but he has now been attracted by a 2026 release clause offered by Alpine.
The same article from l’equipe claimed that Gasly would renew at Alpine today (just confirmed).
— Ferrari News 🐎 (@FanaticsFerrari) June 27, 2024
Furthermore, Alpine has offered a contract with a release clause to Sainz, making the deal all the more tempting to accept. Hence, the odds of Sainz picking Alpine over Williams and Audi are fairly high. But, what if the three-time race winner ends up rejecting Alpine’s bid?
If not Carlos Sainz, who will replace Ocon at Alpine?
As of now, two drivers are competing for Ocon’s place, both of whom are busy in an on-track battle in the Paul Ricard circuit. Jack Doohan and Mick Schumacher are currently testing for Alpine, and the best-performing driver could have the upper hand in beating Sainz and others to the second seat at Alpine.
Full Gas into the future 💯
We’re delighted to announce Pierre will be staying with us as he puts pen to paper on a new multi-year deal 💙
— BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) June 27, 2024
Apart from Doohan and Schumacher, there is Guanyu Zhou as well. With Sauber striking a deal with Nico Hulkenberg for 2025, the young Chinese driver is also back in the drivers’ market. Unfortunately, Zhou has yet to deliver a strong result for Kick Sauber, which could be a negative factor in his resume. There’s also Daniel Ricciardo, who is staring at a forced retirement from Formula 1.
The Australian will desperately look for a counter-solution before it becomes too late, and Alpine could be his last hope. But, is Alpine prepared to risk it all and sign an experienced but struggling driver? Only time will tell.
Sara Chavan