Lando Norris
McLaren
Mercedes
Red Bull
Ferrari
Williams
Racing Bulls
Aston Martin
Haas
Alpine
Carlos Sainz is believed to be looking to leave Williams at the end of his contract, and he could still go even though Nico Hulkenberg is adamant that he is staying with Audi.
Hulkenberg has seen his seat at Audi become the subject of speculation in recent weeks, as it is thought that Sainz is angling to replace the German for next season. Sainz rejected Audi in favour of joining Williams in 2025, yet the Spaniard’s choice has not worked as he wanted.
It has even been said that Sainz would sign for Audi at any time if a drive were available with the German giant for 2027. The 31-year-old is frustrated by Williams’ lack of results after the team bet heavily on F1’s 2026 regulations, so he is not raring to stay past his initial contract.
Gabriel Bortoleto believes Audi could challenge for the title before 2030. What are your thoughts?
Nico Hulkenberg is adamant that Audi will not replace him with Carlos Sainz
A transfer to Audi especially appeals as Sainz would like to work with Mattia Binotto again, as the Madrid native enjoyed his time with the Audi F1 project lead while together at Ferrari. But Hulkenberg fully expects Audi to honour his contract for 2027 and to keep Gabriel Bortoleto.
READ MORE: Audi driver Nico Hulkenberg’s life outside F1 from wife to height
Hulkenberg said, via quotes by Motorsport-Magazin: “The contracts are very clear. From my side, there are no question marks… The team are very happy with Gabi and me, and we are just getting started.”
“I’ve read these rumours, too,” Hulkenberg added, regarding the claims that Sainz could join Audi. “The reserve driver position would be available, but I don’t think he’s interested in it.”
Motorsport-Magazin adds that Hulkenberg signed a three-year contract with Audi for when he joined Sauber in 2025. And while the German’s contract also has a break clause in Audi’s favour, it can only be activated based on poor performances and Audi are not considering it.
Audi understand that Hulkenberg’s lack of points so far this year is a complicated issue, with reliability problems causing his retirements from the Grands Prix in Miami (did not start), in Barcelona and in Great Britain. Hulkenberg even leads Bortoleto 5-4 in their qualifying duel.
Carlos Sainz must now make Alpine his priority for 2027 if he leaves Williams
Hulkenberg’s adamant claims that Audi will honour his contract for 2027 likely leaves Sainz with only one option to escape Williams, if he indeed elects against triggering the option to extend his contract for 2027. Sainz also has an option for 2028 in his contract with Williams.
READ MORE: Williams star Carlos Sainz’s life outside F1 from full name, girlfriend and height
Will Carlos Sainz ever drive for a top F1 team again? If so, who?
Toto Wolff confirmed that Carlos Sainz was an option before Mercedes signed Kimi Antonelli
While Sainz has been linked with Red Bull in case Max Verstappen leaves the Milton Keynes-based squad, the revived interest in his services that Alpine are displaying should now be his priority. Reports also say Alpine are considering Sainz, in case they replace Franco Colapinto.
It is even thought that Alpine could consider offering Sainz just a one-year contract to tempt him to move to Enstone next year, as it would then leave the door ajar for him to potentially join Audi in 2028. Given that Hulkenberg turns 39 this August, his time in F1 may be ending.
A move to Alpine next year could be an ideal stopgap for Sainz, as it would let him refresh in a different team after a frustrating time at Williams in 2026 and pave paths to either stay for 2028 or dip into the market again. Alpine are also offering a lot of encouraging signs so far in 2026 with both Colapinto and Pierre Gasly, who is under contract in Enstone through 2028.
Sainz also cannot simply wait on the slim chance that Red Bull may turn to him if Verstappen were to walk at the end of this season. He was already passed over once by Red Bull when a seat became available to replace Sergio Perez, albeit under a different leadership, and there are zero guarantees that the current Red Bull hierarchy would see Sainz as their best option.
Receive exclusive F1 news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
