Just one day into the F1 summer break and there’s a🍒lready been movement in the driver market.

On Monday, Sainz committe⭕d to Williams by signing a multi-year deal.

Sainz was the best driver available to a💧 host of teams for next year with three of ꦿthose vying for his signature.

The Spaniard ultimately decided on James Vowles’ exciting project at W🔴illiams, committing to at least two years at Grove.

It gives Williams an outstanding pairing with Sainz alongside 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Alex Albon.

That leaves the Sauber-Audi project♏ and Alpine still lookin🌼g for a second driver.

Sauber/Audi

Audi are in an intไeresting predicament given they’ve missed out on a number of th🍬eir top targets.

Sainz was reportedly top of their wishlist, while 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Esteban Ocon and 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Pierre Gasly were also under consideration.

All three drivers have opted against a move to 🌳Hinwil, remaining - or 🧸joining - other midfield outfits.

It’s not a good lo☂ok on Sauber nor Audi that several drivers have opted against joining the team🌺, but where does that leave them?

168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Nico Hulkenberg signed for the team earlier this year so that's one of the se🧸ats sorted.

Hulkenberg’s outstanding performances for Haas, combined with the fact he’s German, made him an obvious choice.&nb🗹sp;

In terms of the second sea🙈t, their options ♈are now very limited.

Current driver 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Valtteri Bottas is clearly the fastest option on the market should they want t꧋o retain him.

Some might argue it would be an uninspiring choice for the Audi project - but given the main alternatives are his underperforming teammate 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Zhou Guanyu and axed Haas driver 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Kevin Magnussen - Bottas is surely ♍the favourite to stay in the seat.

Audi might🦄 be keen to see what happens with Daniel Ricciardo - and whether he stays or not at RB.

That could make 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Liam Lawson a possibility if Ricciardo stays. 

According to , Audi are admirers of Sergio Perez, but his futu༺re with Red Bull has been guaranteed by Christian Horner foll🐠owing a crunch meeting on Monday.

Alpine

Another team with very few options are Alpine.

Alpine were pushing to sign Sainz, with Flavio Briatorꦺe instrumental in the negotiations.

A switch to Mercedes engines (moꦫst likely) f꧟rom 2026 wasn’t enough to tempt Sainz to Enstone.

Alpine appear to have two clear choices.

If they want a🌺n experienced, proven driver, then Bottas is the likeliest choice.

However, Jack D🦋oohan could get the call-up, with the Australian testing regularly for the F📖rench outfit. 

Barretto noted: "Valtteri Bottas is understood to be in the running♐ if they want experience, while Jack Doohan is favourite if they want t💝o go for youth and promote their Driver Academy."