Martin Brundle names the one contract clause Carlos Sainz simply ‘has to’ have for 2025

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Carlos Sainz continues to be the centre of attention in the Formula 1 driver market at the Austrian Grand Prix. Sainz is choosing between Williams, Audi and Alpine as he prepares to leave Ferrari.

Williams are the favoured choice within the Sainz camp. James Vowles’ squad have only scored two points this year but recently announced a swathe of big-name technical hires in a show of their ambition.

Audi, who will take control of the Sauber team in 2026, have long been pushing to partner Sainz with Nico Hulkenberg. But they’re refusing to budge on the three-year contract they’ve offered the 29-year-old because they want him to show faith in the project.

Alpine weren’t really in the conversation as recently as a couple of weeks ago, but the landscape has now changed. Newly-appointed executive advisor Flavio Briatore is pushing to have him in the car.

Sainz previously raced for the team when they were known as Renault in 2018. They have recently improved their offer, but if Sainz says no, they could promote academy driver Jack Doohan instead.

Team principal Bruno Famin will be keen to ensure his next driver pairing has a more harmonious relationship after tension between Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly. There was a spat between the newly-resigned Gasly and Sainz in 2023, with the former calling for the Ferrari ace to be ‘banned’.

Martin Brundle tells Carlos Sainz he needs 2026 exit clause

Speaking on Sky Sports F1 ahead of the Austrian GP Sprint, Martin Brundle offered Sainz a key piece of advice for 2025. In his opinion, he needs to negotiate an exit clause at the end of next year.

This will allow him to move on if a seat becomes available higher up the grid. Neither Red Bull nor Mercedes elected to sign Sainz this year, but Brundle says a future move can’t be ruled out.

Christian Horner was wary of reigniting the tension between Sainz and Verstappen. But Sergio Perez may not see out the second year of his new contract if he doesn’t perform in 2025.

As for Mercedes, Toto Wolff recently revealed that the team reached an advanced stage in negotiations with the three-time race-winner. But academy driver Kimi Antonelli will likely be seen as a long-term signing alongside George Russell.

“I think what Carlos has to do is sign for the best team he thinks he can find, with a one-year exit clause,” Brundle said. “Just in case something pops up at Red Bull and Mercedes.”

Guenther Steiner tells Sainz his career ‘will be over’ if he makes one mistake

Brundle’s remarks echo comments made by Guenther Steiner. The former Haas team principal has urged Sainz to ensure he has the option to move on from his next team within a couple of years.

The pecking order is expected to change when F1 enters a new era of regulations in 2026. If Sainz’s new team struggle, then Steiner says he must be able to walk away.

On the other hand, his career ‘will be over’ if he mistakenly commits to a long-term contract. In light of this advice, Williams may be the best option.

They’re prepared to give Sainz a ‘one-plus-one-plus-one deal’, affording him a great deal of flexibility. However, one journalist is concerned that the former McLaren may not have another chance to drive for a top F1 team regardless.