The news that everyone was expecting from French F1 team Alpine was confirmed on Monday when they announced that Esteban Ocon would be leaving at the end of the 2024 season.
Although the decision wasn’t made as a direct result of his clash with teammate Pierre Gasly at the beginning of the Monaco Grand Prix, it was inevitably the final nail in the coffin.
Writing on the Formula 1 website, journalist Lawrence Barretto has shared who Alpine team principal Bruno Famin wants to replace Esteban Ocon with next year.
Alpine currently sit 9 in the Constructors’ Championship, with only the pointless Sauber team below them.
Despite being one of the only works teams in the paddock, this doesn’t make them the most attractive prospect on the grid.
However, Famin is desperate to replace Ocon with Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz next year.
The Spaniard has 22 podiums to his name and three race victories and unfortunately, his previous record might be the reason why a move doesn’t materialise.
READ MORE: Alpine driver Esteban Ocon’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend
Alpine team principal Bruno Famin wants to replace Esteban Ocon with Carlos Sainz
It’s not a surprise to see Esteban Ocon part ways with Alpine after five years with the team.
He’s never had the easiest time alongside any of his teammates and it was a surprise to see him partnered with Pierre Gasly considering their previous relationship.
They’ve clashed several times on the track and their first-lap tussle in Monaco could have cost Gasly his first points of the season.
It’s been clear for some time that if Alpine were only going to retain one driver for 2025, they were leaning towards Gasly over Ocon.
Alpine have now officially entered the driver’s market although many of their rivals towards the back of the grid are also looking to refresh their line-ups next year.
Bruno Famin would like to bring Carlos Sainz into the team to replace Esteban Ocon.
The 29-year-old will be very familiar with the French team having spent 25 Grand Prix racing for their previous incarnation Renault.
Unfortunately for Alpine, they may have entered the race to sign Sainz too late.
READ MORE: Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz’s life outside F1 from full name, girlfriend and height
Carlos Sainz is a man in demand in the Formula 1 paddock
Speaking about the situation at Alpine, Barretto said: “[Bruno] Famin is said to be keen to try and bring in-form Carlos Sainz back to Enstone, however, it seems like the Spaniard is more likely to join Williams or Sauber/Audi.”
This is the issue that Alpine face in trying to sign Sainz as other teams have been preparing their offers for the three-time race winner for months.
Audi put a contract offer in front of Sainz some time ago and he’s already missed one deadline to put pen to paper.
They would love him to join Nico Hulkenberg next season but he appears to be in no rush to join him.
The biggest issue Alpine appear to be facing right now in their pursuit of Sainz is Williams.
His camp has been very impressed by the team in negotiations and have already made a satisfactory offer for his services.
Although Williams aren’t a works team, they do have access to Mercedes power units which seems to be a big plus point heading into the new era of regulations in 2026.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Alpine F1 Team from team principal to lineage
Alpine won’t be short of drivers offering their services to them considering how much change is expected on the grid.
However, it remains to be seen whether they’ll get their top target or if they’ll have to settle for the best driver available.
The post ‘Keen to try’: Alpine boss Bruno Famin wants to replace Esteban Ocon with 22-podium star in 2025 – journalist appeared first on F1 Oversteer.