Flavio Briatore, executive advisor for Alpine, nearly convinced Carlos Sainz to switch teams, as reported by Racingnews365. Sainz was ready to sign a contract with Williams ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.
The deal was set to be finalized on Friday evening, but at the last moment, the driver changed his mind after receiving a call from Briatore.
Despite negotiations with Alpine, Sainz did not agree to their offer and resumed talks with Williams. The signing of the contract was announced at the Belgian Grand Prix, a month after the Spanish Grand Prix.
The Formula 1 season kicks off in Australia on March 16.
