One of the season’s biggest mysteries in Formula 1 is what Carlos Sainz will do. The Spanish driver bet on Williams hoping for the strength of the current technical regulations, but at this point it’s quite clear that the choice was a mistake. Nevertheless Sainz is willing to double down: he wants to stay with Williams.
Sainz still has nothing signed, but when asked about what his next step in Formula 1 will be, he has shown a willingness to remain with Williams, even though other teams that pursued him in the previous market, such as Audi or Alpine, currently appear more competitive than the British outfit.
Sainz’s contract with Williams ends this year, but he believes he will renew
Carlos Sainz faces a pivotal decision for his future in Formula 1. At 31 years old, his contract with Williams will end, and he will surely have offers from outside the British team. Sainz must decide what to do at an age and in a situation where a mistake can be fatal, but the Spaniard is clear: Williams is his priority.
“Williams is a life project, because I’m 31 and I feel I can tackle the coming years of my career with a very clear objective: to help this team and return to the front of the grid.” That is what Sainz said in Japan when asked if he is already thinking about what he will do with his future this year.
The start of Williams’ season has been so dreadful that they are a sure bet to miss Q1, and they lag so far in developing the car that no meaningful improvement is expected before, at the very least, the summer. Still Sainz managed to collect a couple of points in China, and he remains convinced that the future belongs to Williams.
“Williams has given me the confidence to be more than just a driver. I can contribute in all areas. For me, it’s the perfect environment and the kind of atmosphere I want to be in,” continues Sainz, who adds that “within three or four years I want to be at Williams, ideally contending for the title.”
There are rumors that Sainz could have an unilateral clause to renew for another year, but perhaps he is seeking Williams to offer him a longer-term contract already. In any case, this is a surprising stance on the eve of a market expected to be lively, with names such as Max Verstappen, George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, or Fernando Alonso considered.
We will see whether, if he receives an offer from a more competitive team, Sainz does not hesitate to sign the renewal with Williams.
Images | Williams
