(Motorsport-Total.com) – Even though Carlos Sainz’s contract with Williams expires at the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season, the Spaniard says he has “not really” thought about where his future in the top class lies. Sainz came to the Grove team in 2025 with high expectations from Ferrari, but the team experienced an extremely disappointing season in 2026.
Read more That’s why some F1 races could be four laps shorter in 2027
Therefore, it is not surprising that there are already rumors about a possible departure of Sainz. “Not really,” Sainz answers when asked if he is already eyeing cockpits at competing teams. “Seriously, I am not. I am not because I simply have so much work ahead of me here at Williams at the moment.”
The Formula 1 season is currently in its absolute peak phase with six races within eight weeks, and Williams is feverishly working on improvements, to which Sainz also wants to contribute with simulator sessions and meetings.
“I told my management to leave me alone a bit until the summer break so I can just try to help Williams and improve the situation as much as possible,” he says. “During the summer break, of course, it will be time to think about it and look at the options.”
Lots of work before the summer break
The four-time Grand Prix winner emphasizes that the team “knows what my intentions and priorities are.” He remains committed to continuing the path with the team and dedicating himself to the long-term goal of competing for wins again. However, he admits that there is still “a lot of work” ahead in this regard.
This work takes place behind the scenes, and the Grove team has planned a series of updates for the upcoming races, aiming to reduce the weight of the FW48 and unleash its performance.
According to team principal James Vowles, a “medium” update is to be used this weekend at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone, before further adjustments follow in Spa, Budapest, and Zandvoort. In fact, the team will have “an almost completely new car for Baku” in September.
The contract durations of current Formula 1 drivers
The performance that this upgrade program unleashes at Williams will be a key factor in any decision Sainz makes regarding his future.
“I am trying, together with JV, the entire management, and everyone involved, to get to the bottom of the causes to see where things started to go wrong,” says Sainz.
Read more Nicolas Hamilton experiences firsthand what made his brother a legend
“I think we have analyzed and concluded that. But it’s not just about that, it’s about what we do in the future, how quickly these changes will pay off, and how diligently and aggressively we will of course proceed with recovering from this setback,” says the Spaniard.
“I analyze all of this and try to help as best as I can with my judgment and experience to see which side and which area we need to tackle more aggressively. In the end, there is so much information and so much hustle that there is really very little room or mental capacity and time left to think about anything else.”
Formula 1 Quiz
How many podiums did Carlos Sainz have before his first F1 win?
Test yourself now in the Formula 1 quiz and compare yourself with other users
Until all this becomes clearer, Sainz has asked his management for “as little background noise as possible” regarding contracts, driver changes, and his potential future.
“I am quite sure that, of course, there will be talks and information and people will talk in the paddock, as is always the case at this time of year,” says Sainz.
“But as far as I am concerned, I have told them that I have repeatedly emphasized that I prefer to stay out of it a bit until the summer break and help the team push everything forward as quickly as possible. Because my desired plan and priority order is to stay and continue long-term.”
Where will something open up?
But where could Sainz move if he wanted to change? The real pace-setters of the driver market this year are Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso. Should the Dutchman decide to leave Red Bull or Formula 1 altogether, it would leave a huge gap at the former world champion team.
Likewise, Sainz could be an attractive option for Aston Martin if the 44-year-old Alonso decides that it is really time to hang up his helmet. But would he want to jump from one long-term project to the next?
Since contracts with Audi, the Racing Bulls, and Haas also expire this year, the Formula 1 Silly Season could prove to be extremely hectic this year.
Read more Cadillac in «Stars and Stripes»: Why the team is now becoming patriotic