Lando Norris
McLaren
Mercedes
Red Bull
Ferrari
Williams
Racing Bulls
Aston Martin
Haas
Alpine
Williams are prepared to do everything they can to keep Carlos Sainz for the 2027 F1 season, amid Red Bull showing an interest in a move in case Max Verstappen leaves.
Verstappen is set to play a key role in the driver market this year, as it is highly likely that the four-time champion will gain the right to break his contract with Red Bull through 2028 after the summer. Sainz could also hit the open market, as his contract at Williams is set to expire.
It is reported that Verstappen will have from August to October to use a release clause in his contract if he is outside the top two in the drivers’ standings this summer. The 28-year-old is currently seventh with a 60-point deficit to second with four rounds until the summer break.
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
Williams will ‘move heaven and earth’ to keep Carlos Sainz in 2027
Red Bull are desperate for Verstappen to stay, but are aware that the Dutchman may elect to seek pastures new after their difficult start to F1’s 2026 regulations era. And Sainz could be a contender to replace Verstappen at Red Bull, if he opts not to have a third year at Williams.
READ MORE: The best moments of Carlos Sainz’s career in Formula 1
A report from Autosport Web now claims that there is a ‘non-zero’ per cent chance that Red Bull would approach Sainz to replace Verstappen. Team principal Laurent Mekies has a good relationship with the Spaniard from their time together at Ferrari, which may be very handy.
However, Alpine are also potentially looking for a top driver to replace Franco Colapinto next year. It is thought that Alpine may even agree to give Sainz a one-year contract, which would keep the door open for him to move to Audi in 2027 once a seat opens at the German team.
Williams do not want to lose Sainz without a fight, though, and Motorsport.com claims they are ready to ‘move heaven and earth’ to keep the 31-year-old. Sainz joined Williams in 2025 on a 2+2-year contract, but there are no guarantees he will now agree to take up the option.
Sainz has not enjoyed the sort of success he anticipated having with Williams at the start of the 2026 regulations era. Despite the Grove squad betting heavily on the new rules from an earlier stage than most of their rivals, they are only eighth in the F1 constructors’ standings.
If F1 welcomed Carlos Sainz’s ‘crazy’ idea, which driver would win the championship and why?
Alpine in fifth on 57 points are even using the same customer Mercedes engine as Williams, who have only scored 11 points. Sainz has six of Williams’ points to rank 14th in the drivers’ standings ahead of teammate Alex Albon in 15th, while Alpine’s Pierre Gasly is eighth on 41.
The situation that has befallen the Madrid native so far this year has already sparked claims that a departure could be on the cards, too. Ralf Schumacher is certain that Sainz “wants to leave Williams”, and he thinks Carlos Sainz Sr is “asking around” the paddock about moves.
Verstappen’s uncertain future with Red Bull also seems to have caught the attention of the Sainz camp. It was reported earlier this June that Sainz’s manager has approached Red Bull to sound out a move for 2027, and the Spaniard’s comments suggest he is looking to leave.
Sainz admits he is “working out” if Williams’ targets align with his, as well as how long he is “willing to wait to win” again, after team principal James Vowles suggested that they might not fight at the front of F1 until 2028. Sainz thinks 2028 is “realistic”, but he might not wait.
Receive exclusive F1 news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
