Sainz commits to Williams on multi-year deal despite torrid 2026 campaign

Carlos Sainz has signed a multi-year contract extension with Williams, the team confirmed, securing the Spaniard’s future at Grove beyond the 2026 Formula 1 season despite a difficult year that has yielded just 11 points and nothing from the last five races.

The announcement comes a day after team-mate Alex Albon agreed a one-season extension for 2027 — his sixth campaign with the team. Sainz’s deal is longer in duration and will take him into at least a third year with Williams, having joined from Ferrari ahead of 2025.

The timing may raise eyebrows. Williams are ninth in the constructors’ championship after 11 rounds, a sharp fall from 2025 when Sainz’s two podiums helped the team finish fifth — their highest placing since 2017. The 2026 regulation change caught the team off-guard with an overweight car, and much of the season’s development focus has been directed at shedding that weight rather than aerodynamic gains.

Speculation had mounted that the 31-year-old, with his contract expiring at the end of 2026, might seek a move elsewhere. But with limited options beyond another midfield outfit, Sainz has instead doubled down on his belief in the project.

“I’m thrilled to announce my continued journey with the Williams F1 Team family,” said Sainz, who won four grands prix during his time at Ferrari. “I truly believe in the people that form this team, both at the factory and at the race tracks, 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.”

The extension means Sainz will be part of Williams’ 50th season in Formula 1 in 2027 — a team that has accumulated nine constructors’ titles, seven drivers’ championships and 114 grand prix victories across its history.

Team principal James Vowles was emphatic about the value Sainz brings beyond race weekends. “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,” Vowles said. “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.”

Williams described the deal as reflecting “the trust both sides have built” as the team continues investing across all areas of its operation.