Sainz Reportedly Set to Extend Williams Contract for 2027

Carlos Sainz is reportedly set to sign a one-year contract extension with Williams, according to Spanish media. The decision signals the Spaniard's confidence in the team's project at Grove amid a challenging 2026 season.

Sainz joined Williams at the start of 2026 after leaving Ferrari, with an initial three-year deal. His arrival was seen as a major coup for the team led by James Vowles, who managed to secure an experienced driver to lead the team's revival. In his first season, Sainz immediately made an impact, securing podiums in Azerbaijan and Qatar – the team's first since Lance Stroll in 2017, aside from George Russell's second-place finish at the chaotic 2021 Belgian GP.

The 2026 season has been tougher for Williams. Despite Sainz outperforming team-mate Alex Albon in qualifying with a 9-2 advantage and an average gap of 0.311 seconds in his favor, the team has struggled to fight at the front. The FW48 car faced issues from the start, missing the Barcelona shakedown test and being significantly overweight, although the team has taken remedial steps.

Baca JugaWehrlein Tergusur dari F1, Kini Juara Formula E Dua Kali

According to Marca, Sainz will sign a one-year extension to stay with Williams until 2027. This decision comes amid speculation about his future, with a major upgrade package scheduled for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Sainz had previously been linked to Audi, but that opportunity now seems slim as the team is satisfied with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto.

Options at top teams are also limited for Sainz. Red Bull is locked in with Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, while Ferrari has Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc on long-term deals. Mercedes is not planning to change its lineup of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, and McLaren is solid with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Therefore, staying with Williams appears the most realistic choice for Sainz.

This extension also signals Sainz's long-term commitment to the Williams project. Although the 2026 season has not gone as hoped, the team is steadily improving, and Sainz is seen as key to car development. This decision will provide stability for the team and allow Sainz to focus fully on pushing Williams back to the front.