Audi and Alpine’s Next Moves After Sainz Chooses Williams
The summer break of Formula 1 has just begun, and there have already been significant movements in the driver market. On Monday, Carlos Sainz Jr. committed to Williams by signing a multi-year contract, leaving Audi and Alpine searching for a second driver.
Audi at a Crossroads
Audi finds itself in an interesting position, having lost several of its main targets. Sainz was at the top of the team’s wish list, as were Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, who were also under consideration. However, all three drivers opted not to move to Hinwil, preferring to remain or join other midfield teams.
Sainz’s decision to join Williams is a significant blow to Audi’s ambitions. They have already secured Nico Hulkenberg, whose impressive performance for Haas, coupled with the fact that he is German, made him an obvious choice. However, the second seat is still open.
Currently, Valtteri Bottas seems to be the fastest option available on the market, should Audi decide to retain him. Some might argue that this choice would be uninspiring for the Audi project, but given the main alternatives – his underperforming teammate Zhou Guanyu and Kevin Magnussen, who was dropped by Haas – Bottas is undoubtedly the favorite to stay with the team.
Audi might be interested in seeing what happens with Daniel Ricciardo and whether he will remain with Red Bull. This could open up a possibility for Liam Lawson if Ricciardo stays. According to F1 writer Lawrence Barretto, Audi admires Sergio Perez, but his future with Red Bull has been secured by Christian Horner following a crucial meeting on Monday.
Alpine Looking for Solutions
With Sainz’s decision to choose Williams, Alpine also continues to search for a suitable second driver. The team is carefully evaluating its options, looking for the right fit to complement its current lineup.
Alpine, which already has a solid set of drivers, needs someone who can bring stability and consistency, helping the team climb the rankings. The driver market is full of emerging talents, and Alpine may have to look at young prospects or experienced drivers who can add immediate value.
While Williams has secured a significant asset in Carlos Sainz, the ripple effects in the driver market leave Audi and Alpine in a race to finalize their lineups for the next season. Both teams face critical decisions that will shape their competitiveness and fortunes in the 2024 F1 season.
The journey to find the right driver is full of challenges but also opportunities. How Audi and Alpine navigate these turbulent waters will determine not only their performance next year but also their long-term future in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
