Spaniard commits long-term as Grove squad seals unchanged 2027 line-up with Albon.
Carlos Sainz is staying put. One day after Alex Albon extended his contract, Williams announced a multi-year deal that keeps the four-time race winner at the team beyond 2026 and completes its driver pairing for next season.
Sainz joined Williams from Ferrari for 2025. That first year delivered two Grand Prix podiums and helped the team climb to fifth in the constructors’ championship. 2026 has proven far tougher. The car has struggled under the new regulations. Sainz has scored just six points so far, with a best finish of ninth.
Faith in the Project
Despite the results, Sainz chose to recommit. “I’m thrilled to announce my continued journey with the Atlassian Williams F1 Team family,” he said. “I truly believe in the people that form this team, both at the factory and at the racetracks, and the investments and hard work that are happening in the background. We have what it takes to turn this around together. I’m as committed as I was on day one to helping get Williams back to where it belongs.”
Team principal James Vowles welcomed the decision. He called Sainz a leader whose speed and factory work have been “extremely valuable.” Together with Albon, Vowles said the pair form “one of the strongest line-ups on the grid.”
2027 Line-Up Locked
Albon signed a one-year extension on Tuesday. Sainz’s multi-year agreement means Williams heads into its 50th anniversary season with continuity. The duo bring more than 370 starts, over 1,600 points and 31 podiums between them.
Williams sits near the bottom of the standings after a difficult first half. An upgrade package is planned for Azerbaijan. Both drivers and the team insist the long-term direction under Vowles remains intact.
The Dutch Grand Prix weekend offers the next chance for points as the season resumes.
AI Disclosure: This article was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools and was reviewed and edited by the Glowls News editorial team before publication.