Carlos Sainz Joins Williams for Multi-Year Contract

Carlos Sainz, the Ferrari driver will join Williams on a multi-year contract starting next season. The 29-year-old Spaniard is leaving Ferrari after the team decided to sign Lewis Hamilton for the upcoming year. Despite Alpine’s and Sauber’s (which will become Audi’s factory team in 2026) interest, Sainz chose Williams due to the team’s potential for future success.

Sainz expressed his excitement about joining Williams, a team with a storied history and many of his childhood heroes. He is eager to help propel the team back to the front of the grid and committed to giving his best from January 1. Since joining Ferrari in 2021, Sainz has won three Grand Prix but Ferrari’s focus on Charles Leclerc and the opportunity to sign Hamilton led him to explore other options.

Red Bull re-signed Sergio Perez until the end of 2026, and Mercedes aims to recruit Max Verstappen for 2026, making Sainz’s move to these teams unlikely. Mercedes also plans to promote 17-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli to replace Hamilton alongside George Russell next year. Carlos Sainz chose Williams over midfield teams Alpine and Sauber, believing Williams offers the best prospects for growth.

Williams team principal James Vowles praised Sainz’s talent and race-winning experience, viewing his addition as a significant step forward. Sainz will team up with British-born Thai driver Alex Albon, who also holds a multi-year contract. This move likely signals the end of American Logan Sargeant’s F1 career.

Sargeant, who has struggled against Albon will probably lose his seat at Williams as the team aims to enhance its competitiveness with the new regulations in 2026.