Sainz dismisses Audi links and commits to Williams through difficult 2026 stretch

Carlos Sainz has flatly denied that he held talks with Audi over a 2027 Formula 1 seat, telling Motorsport.com he never seriously considered leaving Williams after extending his contract with the Grove-based outfit last week. Team-mate Alexander Albon also committed to the team for 2027, though Sainz’s deal is described as “multi-year”, suggesting it runs at least until 2028.

“No, it was just the usual paddock rumours,” Sainz said. “I can confirm that this year I never seriously considered going anywhere else.”

The speculation was not without some historical context. When Sainz lost his Ferrari seat ahead of the 2025 season, he had held discussions with both Williams and the then-incoming Audi project before choosing Williams. Reports this year suggested Audi had re-entered the picture for 2027, but Sainz was unequivocal in dismissing them.

The timing of the renewal is notable given Williams’s difficult start to 2026. The FW48 has failed to score a point in six consecutive rounds, and team principal James Vowles had publicly acknowledged fears over retaining his driver line-up. Sainz acknowledged the pressure but said the team’s struggles only reinforced his decision to stay.

“When we put everything on the table, another aspect emerged that is very important to me: I’ve never liked leaving a team when it’s going through a difficult period,” he said. “It’s not in my character to go somewhere else if the situation has become worse since I joined the team.”

Sainz added that he had been fully aware of the risks when he originally joined Williams, a nine-time constructors’ championship winner that has endured a prolonged rebuilding phase. “When I committed to the Williams project, I knew there could be difficult moments and, even though the one we’re going through now is particularly tough, I’m ready to accept it.”

When pressed on whether his multi-year deal effectively closed the door on any approach from a top team, Sainz was careful. He acknowledged that assessing the wider landscape before signing is standard practice, but was clear that walking away during a downturn was never a realistic option for him. “It’s not in my nature to abandon ship when things get tough,” he said.