Carlos Sainz has revealed he will hold talks with Williams team principal James Vowles over the summer to discuss his future, as he considers a potential exit from the struggling team.
Speaking to reporters, Sainz admitted he "honestly doesn't know" what lies ahead, saying: "I cannot give you a date, but I imagine, as I always said, that I was going to wait until the summer to sit down with my team and think about this. [I will] discuss with them, with James and everyone, the future of the team and my future in it."
Williams' struggles this season
Sainz joined Williams in 2024 after receiving multiple offers from rival teams, and last year the team impressed as the best of the rest in the midfield, with Sainz securing two podium finishes in the second half of the season.
However, this year has been a stark contrast. Williams have adapted poorly to the new regulations, missing the first week of shakedown testing in Barcelona because their car was not ready. When the car finally hit the track, it faced numerous issues, including being significantly overweight.
Team principal Vowles remained optimistic early in the season, stating that the team had the answers, even if they could change everything overnight. But development has not delivered the hoped-for progress, and a major upgrade scheduled for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is no longer expected to yield the improvements initially anticipated.
Potential alternatives for Sainz
Instead of contending in the midfield, Williams have fallen towards the back of the grid, finishing the first half of the season with five consecutive scoreless race weekends. This has prompted Sainz to reconsider his future.
Whether he signs a new deal with Williams may depend on other opportunities. Sainz has long been linked with a move to Audi, given his rally champion father's affiliation with the brand, but Audi insist they are happy with their current pairing of Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto.
Alpine, who nearly signed Sainz two years ago with a last-minute offer that delayed his decision to join Williams, could try again. Pierre Gasly is under a long-term contract, but Franco Colapinto has yet to secure his place for 2027, and Flavio Briatore may seek a more proven option.
Alonso's decision could be key
The crucial factor may be Fernando Alonso's choice. Alonso is considering retirement this summer, and if he vacates his Aston Martin seat, Sainz is reportedly high on the team's list of potential replacements. Alonso has said he plans to decide his future this summer, so Sainz may not have to wait long to learn if that option opens up.
