Carlos Sainz Jr. is in the process of making a critical decision about his future in Formula 1. After it was announced that he would not continue with Ferrari beyond this season, Sainz has been evaluating multiple offers and opportunities from other teams. Two primary contenders are Sauber, which will transition to Audi in 2026, and Williams, which has publicly expressed strong interest in securing Sainz as a key driver alongside Alex Albon.
Sainz’s decision is complicated by the upcoming 2026 regulation changes, which make it difficult to predict which teams will be most competitive. He described this uncertainty as a “coin toss,” highlighting the challenge of choosing a team that will perform well under the new regulations. Sainz aims for a medium- to long-term commitment, seeking a stable environment with full support from his future team.
While Williams’ team principal, James Vowles, has made a public pitch for Sainz, emphasizing the team’s ambition and investment in returning to the top, Sainz has stated that he won’t be rushed into a decision. He needs time to carefully consider his options and discuss with his management​.
Ultimately, Sainz is looking for a team that provides strong support and a promising future, taking into account not just the immediate next season but also the medium-term prospects in the evolving F1 landscape
