Motorsport Week looks at the rumours currently swirling around Carlos Sainz and where his Formula 1 future could take him next.
Carlos Sainz is a man of winning stock. His father is a World Rally Champion, he himself is a four-time Grand Prix-winner, and let’s face it, it could be more provided he had the right machinery beneath him.
McLaren’s transitionary period from backmarkers to winners once again featured Sainz, but unfortunately, he was stuck in the middle of that particular time. His performances with Toro Rosso established himself as a driver with a bright future, his head-to-head record against Max Verstappen proves that. And in papaya, his partnership with Lando Norris saw him take his talent to the next level.
Sport is full of perennial sliding doors moments. And if circumstances had been different, and he had remained in Woking, he may be a World Champion by now. But, alas, the lure of Ferrari is always a hard one to resist.
With Charles Leclerc, there was always a sense of the outsider alongside the golden boy. No disrespect to Leclerc, of course, a fine racer in his own right. But Sainz was able to match himself against a supreme talent for the third time in his career. It just so happened that the willingness of Lewis Hamilton to join the Italian giants rendered his place in the team over.
With all the top teams in this particularly timeframe now fully stacked with drivers, Sainz was facing a really hard decision of not knowing exactly, out of the more modest and mediocre of options available to him, was the one that was the best for the long-term.
There was apparently was a serious flirtation with the then-soon-to-be Audi project, via Sauber, but ultimately, he chose Williams. A once-great giant now languishing at the back of the grid, steadily inching backwards in the field after a bright start to the V6 hybrid period.
It no doubt buoyed those at the Grove-based squad, and the FW47, after some development – aided by Sainz himself – became a serious contender in the midfield. His two podiums in 2025 were something of an achievement. Not like his Grand Prix wins by any stretch of the imagination, but they were considerably unlikely at the start of the campaign, and along with Alex Albon’s consistent performances, he led Williams to fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship.
This signalled and heralded a new Williams. One that was going to return to the good times, with 2025 being the first stepping stone back towards glory. Then came the 2026 regulations cycle.
The FW48 came out of the metaphorical womb carrying a few ounces more than most of the other chassis on the F1 maternity ward. This became the cornerstone for what has been a miserable season so far for the Williams team. Sainz and Albon have been in the trenches, as it were, trying to haul themselves, and the team, free from a position where it has witnessed the midfield rivals that it defeated last year saunter off into the distance.
It feels like the massive step forwards taken have turned into several backwards. The new regulations cycle has come at the worst time, truncating Williams’ progress as it has struggled to adapt to them sufficiently compared to the likes of Racing Bulls and Alpine, which have maintained the midfield fight. Despite only being 31, Sainz must feel like time is dragging him by. And a new dilemma might swing into view.
So, what are the options?
Williams
He can stick rather than twist. Williams have a Mercedes power unit deal, and some dodgy reliability aside, it has been the class of the field so far. Interpreting it for their own car is the task now, and work must now surely go into 2027. The power unit regulations – so maligned and so controversial – have been tweaked for a small swing back towards combustion, but it will not cause a massive change of preparation. The FW49 has a lot of weight already – but more of the metaphorical kind.
If Sainz has faith that isn’t misplaced, then it would really reap a few benefits.
Audi
Rumours have pointed Sainz towards returning to the team he turned down. Presumably, this would be in the place of Nico Hulkenberg, with the young talent of Gabriel Bortoleto too good to sideline. With the project starting to show bear fruit, would Sainz take a calculated risk to haul one of the two newest names on the grid towards the front?
Red Bull
This hinges on Max Verstappen. Motorsport Monday understands the Dutchman has held talks with McLaren of a fairly serious nature, and whilst it appears that he is heading to a continuation with Red Bull, there is nothing concrete just yet.
If Verstappen were to vacate Milton Keynes, Sainz could be a ready-made replacement. Familiar with the team’s setup through his early days of Formula 1, he could be a ‘team leader’ like presence, given the age difference to Isack Hadjar. If Ford’s relationship with Red Bull can continue with strength, there is no doubt that Sainz could place himself in one of the most coveted seats around.
Alpine
I wonder…?
No serious rumours about Alpine have been forthcoming, but there is a bit of logic to this one.
The Enstone-based former manufacturer is in a maiden season as a customer of Mercedes. Whilst results have not been brilliant lately, the team is a world away from its miserable 2025 campaign. And there is an exciting future with a title sponsorship with Gucci next season.
This is likely to bring in what the kids call ‘bare dollar’. And frankly, with that sort of money, is Franco Colapinto likely to keep his seat? The Argentinian has improved so much since taking the place of Jack Doohan during last season, but would any sane person choose him over Sainz?
Placing him with Pierre Gasly is immensely strong, and would bring Flavio Briatore a line-up that he could fully get behind. It would bring points if the car is quick enough.
It’s churlish, perhaps, to start considering options for Sainz with nothing concrete just yet. But it comes from concern that one of the grid’s most understated talents could start to see the best years of his career start to fall away from him in a package that could not carry the weight of his race-winning pedigree.
READ MORE – Carlos Sainz makes crucial F1 career decision amid career dilemma – reports
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