Flavio Briatore has confirmed that Alpine would welcome Carlos Sainz in 2026, leaving the possibility open for the Spanish driver to join the team in the future.
With limited options at top teams for 2025, Sainz considered offers from various other outfits, including factory-backed Audi and Alpine, before choosing to align with Williams due to James Vowles' vision for the team's development.
However, Vowles has already warned Sainz and his 2025 teammate, Williams incumbent Alex Albon, that next season will be "a tough year."
"If we go backwards a little bit," said Vowles, "that's fine with me, because it means I'm investing at the right pace for 2026 compared to those around me. That doesn't mean we'll be tenth, but it's going to be a tough year."
Alpine is also bracing for another challenging season in 2025.
The team's struggles have been compounded by Renault CEO Luca de Meo's decision to abandon the works 2026 engine program. Nonetheless, Alpine is expected to join McLaren in using industry-leading Mercedes power units when the new regulations come into play in 2026.
Briatore, now serving as de Meo's F1 advisor, revealed that he had approached Sainz regarding a potential future role at Alpine. "No disappointment," he said, according to motorsport-magazin.com. "Carlos was an opportunity, but it was too early.
"Before we talk about drivers, we first have to talk about a competitive car. Because if the car doesn't perform, it makes no difference which driver you put behind the wheel. So first we have to clean up the house with Oli (Oakes) and motivate the system and everyone at Alpine again."
Briatore pointed to Red Bull's recent difficulties and McLaren's surge in form as evidence of the car's importance over the driver. "One year ago, he (Max Verstappen) won every race and now that other cars are competitive, other young drivers win the races," the 74-year-old Italian noted.
He added that Alpine currently isn't willing to make a significant investment in a star driver. "I don't want to spend X million (on a driver) at the moment because it makes no difference to us," he said. "We are very happy with (Pierre) Gasly, and now we have a young driver," Briatore remarked, referring to Jack Doohan.
However, Briatore left the door open for Sainz in 2026. "If Carlos wants to come to us in 2026, we will be here," he assured.
