Less than 24 hours after the conclusion of the Belgian Grand Prix, Formula 1 teams were already planning for a break in August. It was during this time that Carlos Sainz finally announced his next move.
Carlos Sainz was at the center of attention in the driver market, with multiple teams expressing interest and making offers. Kevin Magnussen called him the “cork in the bottle,” and it was clear that Sainz had options between Williams, Alpine, and Stake/Sauber/Audi.
After Sainz’s decision to join a team, there is still uncertainty for Williams and Stake/Sauber/Audi as they have vacant seats to fill.
The paddock will gather in Zandvoort this weekend, possibly providing more clarity on the driver lineup for Alpine and Stake/Sauber/Audi as they aim to secure their preferred choices.
Alpine is considering promoting one of its junior drivers to a race seat, showcasing their commitment to nurturing young talent despite off-track challenges. Oscar Piastri’s success after being in a reserve role is a testament to Alpine’s developmental program.
With several candidates in the mix for Alpine’s seat, including Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, the team has options to consider alongside Jack Doohan, whose performance in F2 has been noteworthy.
Other potential candidates for Alpine include Mick Schumacher and Kevin Magnussen, offering experience and skill to the team.
Bottas and Magnussen are both experienced options. Andy Hone/Motorsport Images
The future of the Audi project remains uncertain, as the team navigates through management changes and challenges in attracting top talent like Sainz.
Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley’s appointments signal a new chapter for Audi, with drivers like Sebastian Vettel and others being rumored to join the team. The transition for Audi in the coming year holds intrigue for many.
The unexpected lack of interest from Mercedes in Sainz has kept the spotlight away from their driver situation, unlike in previous years when replacing Lewis Hamilton would be a focal point.
