Carlos Sainz: The Future of the Former Ferrari Driver Revealed—Here’s the Announcement
Carlos Sainz will continue to race for Williams. The Spanish driver has reached an agreement on a new multi-year contract with the Atlassian Williams F1 Team, confirming his confidence in the team’s long-term project, which aims to return permanently to the top ranks of Formula 1.
The four-time Grand Prix winner joined Williams in 2025 and has since played a central role in the team’s rebuilding process. His technical expertise, combined with his speed, race management skills, and constant drive for improvement, has contributed to the team’s development.
With Sainz’s contract renewal, Williams has also finalized its driver lineup for 2027, the year marking the team’s 50th anniversary in Formula 1. Yesterday brought confirmation of Alex Albon, who had also chosen to extend his contract with the team. Together, the two form one of the most experienced driver pairings on the entire grid, with over 370 Grand Prix starts, more than 1,600 points scored, and 31 podium finishes combined.
The 2026 season has been challenging so far for Williams, but the team continues to believe in the work being done behind the scenes and in the investments made to regain competitiveness. In 2025, however, Sainz and Albon had contributed to what had been the team’s best season since 2016. The Spaniard stood out in particular, securing his first podium with Williams in Baku with a third-place finish. He added another podium in the Austin Sprint and a third podium finish in Qatar.
At 31 years old, Sainz has therefore chosen to remain committed to the Williams project. This decision strengthens the bond between the driver and the team, which is committed to investing in all areas necessary to return to competing at the highest level and to build upon a history that includes nine Constructors’ World Championships and 114 Grand Prix victories. Sainz is also one of only three drivers—along with Alain Prost and Nigel Mansell—to have raced in Formula 1 for Williams, McLaren, and Ferrari. He will therefore play a leading role in the British team’s 50th anniversary, as it celebrates half a century in Formula 1 in 2027.
“I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll continue my journey with the Atlassian Williams F1 Team family. I truly believe in the people who make up this team—both at the factory and on the track—as well as in the investments and the great work being done behind the scenes. We have everything we need to make a difference together. I’m just as determined as I was on day one to help Williams return to where it belongs, and I can’t wait to create more memories with the team,” said Sainz.
