Controversial F1 figure CONFIRMS team interest in star driver for 2025

Controversial former Formula 1 team boss Flavio Briatore has confirmed he has his sights set on snapping up a driver for his new team ahead of the 2025 season.

Briatore, who was infamously involved in the 'crashgate' scandal and previously banned from the sport, was recently hired by Alpine as an executive advisor.

F1 HEADLINES: Red Bull driver HURT after British GP as team in talks over driver RETURN

READ MORE: Hamilton beats Verstappen in HISTORIC British Grand Prix

One job for Briatore and the Alpine team to complete sooner rather than later is to hire a second driver for next season and beyond.

Pierre Gasly was recently snapped up on a multi-year deal, but who will partner the Frenchman remains unknown, after it was announced that Esteban Ocon will depart the team at the end of 2024.

Flavio Briatore and Alpine eyeing Carlos Sainz

The big name remaining without a team for 2025 is Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, who is set to be replaced by Lewis Hamilton at the end of the season.

Williams and Kick Sauber - who are set to become Audi in 2026 - have been linked heavily with the Spaniard, but since Briatore's arrival, Alpine rumours have also emerged.

Now, Briatore has confirmed the team's interest in Sainz, with the Italian determined to land the Ferrari man.

“There is a lot of interest, we will see in the next few days," Briatore told FormulaPassion.it.

"Even if at the moment, for Alpine, the driver does not make the difference, we must first sort out the car.

"Incredibly he [Sainz] is still free. We are all willing to have him on the team and we will do everything possible."

It remains to be seen when Sainz will decide on his future.

Rumours had suggested he was set to announce his decision at the Spanish Grand Prix, but this was delayed.

READ MORE: Wolff hails ‘fairytale’ Hamilton VICTORY at British Grand Prix

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Axed F1 star Yuki Tsunoda linked with stunning switch after McLaren driver signing

• Yesterday 21:30

Lewis Hamilton 'recharged and ready' for Ferrari title fight after GOAT visit

• Yesterday 20:45

Red Bull reveal special race suit for Max Verstappen's last home race in F1

• Yesterday 19:45

Red Bull star reacts to team boss' unexpected backing for F1 promotion

• Yesterday 17:28

F1 News Today: Max Verstappen 'fed up', rain threatens Dutch Grand Prix, and a Ferrari world record

• Yesterday 16:55

Max Verstappen ‘fed up’ after being proved right as F1 future hangs in the balance

• Yesterday 09:45