Carlos Sainz is ‘ready’ to sign for one F1 team ‘at any time’ as Williams prepare Yuki Tsunoda talks

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Carlos Sainz is reportedly ‘ready’ to leave Williams for one Formula 1 team ‘at any time’ with Yuki Tsunoda set to be handed a lifeline.

Sainz, 31, joined Williams before the start of the 2025 F1 season after losing his Ferrari seat to seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

The Spaniard enjoyed a promising debut season with the Grove-based team, scoring two podium finishes and ending the season just nine points adrift of teammate Alex Albon.

However, the 2026 campaign has been a nightmare for Williams, as they continue to struggle with the sport’s new regulations.

As a result, Sainz has been linked with a move away, with teams like Red Bull and Aston Martin both linked with the 31-year-old.

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Carlos Sainz is ‘ready’ to sign for Audi ‘at any time’

Now, according to Japanese news outlet Shiga Sports, Sainz is said to be ‘ready’ to sign for Audi ‘at any time’. 

It has been claimed that Sainz’s father, Carlos Sainz Sr, held ‘fairly concrete negotiations’ with Audi bosses during last weekend’s British Grand Prix.

The report also suggested that Sainz could replace Nico Hulkenberg at Audi if a move materialises.

Amid the uncertainty surrounding Sainz’s future, it is believed that ‘turmoil’ is brewing within Williams, with both the Spaniard and Albon dissatisfied with the team’s project.

With Sainz linked with an exit, it has been reported that Williams team boss James Vowles ‘highly values and respects’ Tsunoda’s abilities and negotiations between the two parties are set to take place ‘soon’.

If F1 welcomed Carlos Sainz’s ‘crazy’ idea, which driver would win the championship and why?

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READ MORE: Carlos Sainz has just told Williams the only thing that will ensure he stays in 2027

Tsunoda, 26, endured a tough season at Red Bull in 2025 as he was drafted in after two races to replace Liam Lawson as Max Verstappen’s teammate.

The Japanese driver ended the season in 17th place, scoring just 33 points. Meanwhile, Verstappen was two points away from winning the world championship.

Following a disappointing 2025 campaign, Tsunoda was replaced at Red Bull by Isack Hadjar; there was also no place for him at Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, with Lawson and rookie Arvid Lindblad preferred. 

As a result, the 26-year-old is currently serving as Red Bull and VCARB’s reserve driver.

In recent weeks, Tsunoda has been linked with a return to F1, having reportedly caught the attention of Haas and now Williams.

Speaking last month, Sainz revealed that he will only make a decision on his future when the summer break comes around.

As per Planet F1, he said: “I have so much work to do here in Williams right now over the next few races and the amount of simulator sessions we’re doing, the amount of meetings that are being held over the last few months.

“I’ve also told my team to leave me a bit on my own until the summer break, just to try and help Williams and improve the situation as much as possible.”