Carlos Sainz signs new multi-year F1 contract

Carlos Sainz has signed a new "multi-year" contract with Williams in a "show of faith" in the project at the team.

As RacingNews365 reported over the weekend, Sainz was set to agree to an extension to his existing deal with enhanced protections to reflect his status within the team and to tie him down and not look elsewhere - the four-time grand prix winner having expressed frustration at the team's 2026 plight. 

However, Sainz has now agreed terms on a fresh contract, staying with Williams as it goes into its 50th anniversary season in 2027.

It was announced on Tuesday that team-mate Alex Albon had also agreed terms on a fresh contract, and the two will form Williams' driver line-up for a third successive season next term. 

Since joining Williams from Ferrari in something of coup for the team, Sainz scored two grand prix podiums for the team - in Azerbaijan and Qatar - the first since Lance Stroll in 2017, discounting the washout second place of George Russell at the 2021 Belgian GP. He also finished third in the US Grand Prix Sprint. 

"I’m thrilled to announce my continued journey with the Williams F1 Team family," said Sainz.

"I truly believe in the people who 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."

Speaking of the decision, Vowles added that he felt he now had one of the strongest line-ups on the grid locked down. 

"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," he 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. 

"Carlos shares the belief and ambition we have at 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."