Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has indicated Carlos Sainz has an escape clause in his new Williams contract that would allow him to leave based on a 'big-team' offer.
Sainz's future was thrown into turmoil at the start of February when Ferrari stunned all in F1 by announcing Lewis Hamilton would be joining the Scuderia next season, leaving the Spanish driver on the sidelines.
Sainz then spent the next few months mulling over his options as offers came in from Williams, Stake/Audi and Alpine. It left many other drivers waiting on his decision, resulting in him being described by Haas' Kevin Magnussen as "the cork in the bottle".
On Monday, following the recent Belgian Grand Prix, the cork was released as Williams confirmed Sainz had signed a deal for "2025, 2026 and beyond".
Almost instantly, rumours surfaced of exit clauses in the deal. It prompted team principal James Vowles to issue a dismissive response.
“There are precisely 10 people in the world that know what the interior in the contract holds,” Vowles told media including RacingNews365.
“The Carlos camp knows, and I know what’s inside it. Anything you have read on the internet is speculation and that is it.”
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Marko pours fuel on Sainz fire
Marko, however, has added fuel to the fire of the rumours in his latest column for Austrian publication Speedweek.
"It is understandable that Carlos decided to go to Williams, because what would the alternatives be?" commented Marko.
"Audi will certainly not be one of them next year if you look at their successes. And at Alpine, we don't know whether they will get the Mercedes engine in 2025 or not until 2026. I would say that was the best solution for him in his situation.
"It is, of course, tragic that he is having his best season at Ferrari and is not getting a seat in a top team. But things should be moving forward at Williams, he has a strong engine there too.
"And, apparently, there is a clause in his contract that allows him to leave if an offer comes from a much better-placed team."
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