Carlos Sainz has put an end to months of speculation over his future in Formula One by signing a new multi-year contract with the Williams F1 team, a day after announcing that his teammate Alex Albon also extended his contract, locking in the team's driver lineup for 2027. 

On August 19th 2026, Williams put out a video of the announcement via their social media accounts. While talking about his excitement to continue with the Grove-based team, Sainz also spoke about his commitment to the team's shared goal of putting them back at the front of the field.

 "I’m thrilled to announce my continued journey with the Atlassian Williams F1 Team family," the Spaniard said in the video. "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."

The 2026 season has been a challenging one for the Grove-based team, but the No. 55 driver, as further addressed in the team's press release on their website, is confident the team can turn their fortunes around. 

"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, and I look forward to creating more memories with the team."

Carlos Sainz joined the team at the beginning of the 2025 season. He secured two podiums and helped the team clinch the P5 spot in the Constructors' Championship last year. Currently, he sits in P15 this season. 

James Vowles hails Carlos Sainz as "a leader"

After being replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, Sainz was approached by Audi and Aston Martin. However, he turned down their offer to join Williams due to his strong belief in the team principal James Vowles’ vision for the team. 

That vision and trust seem to be paying off, as Vowles has now praised the No. 55 driver for his continued dedication towards the project back at the factory and even hailed him as the leader of the team in the press release put out on their website.

 "He is a leader of this team, and I’m thrilled that he can see what’s possible as we continue to rebuild it. It’s not just his racecraft and speed that stand out, but the work he does behind the scenes in the pursuit of high performance." Vowles said in the team release. 

Furthermore, he also praised Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz's commitment to the team.

"Carlos shares the belief and ambition we have at Atlassian Williams F1 Team and is pushing every day to deliver it. Along with Alex, I truly believe we have one of the strongest line-ups on the grid, and a team capable of fighting for every ounce of performance together." 

With the 2027 driver line-up signed and sealed, Williams will be looking forward to getting better results for the remainder of the 2026 season. 

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco