Ferrari destroyed Carlos Sainz at the beginning of 2024, announcing Lewis Hamilton as his replacement for next year. The Spaniard hadn’t put one foot wrong since joining the Maranello outfit in 2021 but was axed when the lure of having a 7-time champion consumed them. “It’s certainly not the best feeling to start the season,” he despondently told Sky Italia. Then, his feelings were subdued, with the focus remaining on winning the world championship in his fourth and final year with Ferrari. However, having made peace with the inevitable exit, Sainz has revealed how painful it actually was.

Taking over as Team Principal from Mattia Binotto, Frederic Vasseur promised to change Ferrari for good. Their on-track pace significantly improved and their strategic mishaps were reduced. Carlos Sainz became the only non-Red Bull winner in over a year but was surprisingly shown the door. The 29-year-old was then excluded from meetings and simulator sessions of their 2025 car. However, he remained undeterred and magnificently won the Australian GP in March this year, overcoming post-appendectomy fatigue.

Ahead of the Hungarian GP, Sainz has reiterated how shattered he was pre-season. “When they told me I wouldn’t continue, I didn’t feel as appreciated as I would have liked, especially for what I gave to Ferrari,” he told La Repubblica, as quoted by FormulaPassion. “It was a tough two or three months between January and February. I went through a problematic phase with the announcement of Hamilton’s arrival and my future changing.”

Like his previous admission in February, Sainz again highlighted how grateful he is to Ferrari. As long as he’s in the red suit, “I’ll give it my all,” he said. Driving for Ferrari is also a dream he “wouldn’t change for anything”. But come 2025, these feelings will be long gone when he shifts focus to excel with his next team. Judging by the latest developments, that team will most likely be Alpine.

Carlos Sainz to Alpine is a near reality after Pierre Gasly’s admission

All top teams are out of the picture and all Carlos Sainz is left with is Williams, Alpine, and Sauber. Though there are some contingencies that could land him in Mercedes or Red Bull, those are outside chances. Out of the three backmarker prospects, Alpine is the latest to pursue him after announcing Esteban Ocon’s exit. Flavio Briatore, who has returned in an advisory role to Renault’s Group CEO, is the game changer in this deal.

If finalized, this would pair him with Pierre Gasly, who recently signed a multi-year extension beyond 2025. Ahead of the Hungarian GP, the French driver spilled the beans on his attempts at convincing Sainz to come aboard. “I did my fair share of the job, but ultimately I believe in the projects we’re building with Alpine and I always back the team up. Now it’s up to him to make his own decision,” he said on Thursday.

The Alpine talks are gaining ground, but Sainz continues to wait for Mercedes and Red Bull. Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff had earlier ruled the Ferrari driver out of the race to secure Hamilton’s seat for 2025. However, ahead of the British GP, the Austrian revealed how Sainz is being considered again. Rivals Red Bull already have two drivers on contract for 2025 but Sergio Perez’s deteriorating performance has activated some exit clauses.

So, on paper, the Spaniard could still drive for a championship contender next year. What’s your take on Gasly’s admission? Let us know in the comments.