Williams end Sainz uncertainty with multi-year contract extension

Williams has moved decisively to end the uncertainty over Carlos Sainz’s future, confirming that the four-time Formula 1 race winner has signed a new multi-year contract with the Grove-based team.

The agreement represents a major vote of confidence in Williams’ long-term ambition, with Sainz committing to the project despite a difficult 2026 campaign.

The Spaniard joined the team in 2025 and has since become a key figure in its rebuilding effort, combining speed on track with an intensive engineering contribution away from it.

Sainz doubles down on Williams project

Sainz’s renewed commitment also completes Williams’ driver line-up for its 50th anniversary season in 2027, following Alex Albon’s contract extension announced on Tuesday.

Together, the pair bring more than 370 Grand Prix starts, over 1,600 points and 31 podiums to the Williams garage, giving the team one of the grid’s most experienced and accomplished partnerships.

Sainz was instrumental in Williams’ strongest season since 2016 last year, securing his maiden podium with the team in Baku before adding a Sprint podium in Austin and another third-place finish in Qatar.

“I’m thrilled to announce my continued journey with the Atlassian Williams F1 Team family!” commented the 31-year-old.

“I truly believe in the people that form this team, both at the factory and at the racetracks, and the investments and hard work that are happening in the background.

“We have what it takes to turn this around together. I’m as committed as I was on day one to helping get Williams back to where it belongs, and I look forward to creating more memories with the team.”

Vowles hails Sainz’s leadership

Williams team principal James Vowles believes Sainz’s influence extends far beyond his results, highlighting the Spaniard’s contribution to the team’s wider transformation.

“From the moment he joined, Carlos’ talent behind the steering wheel and dedication back at the factory have been extremely valuable for this project - working day in, day out with his engineers to find every millisecond,” explained the Williams boss.

“He is a leader of this team, and I’m thrilled that he can see what’s possible as we continue to rebuild it. It’s not just his racecraft and speed that stand out, but the work he does behind the scenes in the pursuit of high performance.

“Carlos shares the belief and ambition we have at Atlassian Williams F1 Team and is pushing every day to deliver it. Along with Alex, I truly believe we have one of the strongest line-ups on the grid, and a team capable of fighting for every ounce of performance together.”

Sainz’s new deal also ensures he will play a central role as Williams celebrates five decades in Formula 1, continuing a career that has already seen him race for McLaren, Ferrari and Williams – a distinction shared with only Alain Prost and Nigel Mansell.

For Williams, the message is clear: despite the current struggles, its two most experienced drivers are staying the course and backing the team’s vision of returning to the front.

Read also: Alex Albon commits to Williams through 2027

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