Bad timing for a dip in form: Does Williams star Carlos Sainz have no choice?

Team principal James Vowles is well aware that Carlos Sainz has alternatives to Williams. The Briton, who has been at the helm of the historic Grove-based team since 2023, recently admitted that his protégé has the opportunity to find another team. And the Spaniard could well take advantage of this, as the pressure is mounting as his Grand Prix career progresses, warns Martin Brundle.

Speaking on ‘Sky Sports F1’ about the Madrid-born driver, the former F1 driver and driver manager said: “He really committed himself to Williams when he made the decision not to go to Audi. I think that would have been his father’s first choice. After all, the Sainz family has had a very good relationship with Audi for years.”

Formula 1 career has stalled

“And I can imagine that Carlos is keeping his options open. It’s frustrating because he’s hit a bit of a rut at a stage in his career and his life that – to put it mildly – isn’t ideal,” the 67-year-old continues.

When asked whether Sainz deserved better, Brundle emphasises: “He had some brilliant races with Ferrari. But I think he’s now reached a dead end. That’s why I hope Williams can find some answers for 2027.”

High expectations, a steep fall

The disappointment is all the greater because Williams and Sainz’s first season together last year exceeded expectations. Although the Grove-based team focused early on developing the new generation of cars, Sainz managed to finish third on the podium in both Baku and Qatar.

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“All in all, Williams can only be disappointed,” says Brundle. “If you look at their results in qualifying and the races, you’ll see there are a lot of double-digit figures. They’re always outside the top 10, and I think that shows where they stand this season,” adds the Briton.