Carlos Sainz's future at Williams in doubt amid 2026 struggles

Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, who moved from Ferrari to Williams in 2025 after Lewis Hamilton’s transfer to the Scuderia, is facing uncertainty about his stay at the historic British team. In the opening five races of the 2026 season, Sainz has finished outside the points three times, with a best result of eighth at Imola, while Williams sits ninth in the Constructors' Championship with six points and Sainz is 13th in the drivers' standings.

Former Grand Prix winner David Coulthard suggested the Spaniard is "eyeballing" other opportunities, noting his frustration with the uncompetitive FW48. Sainz, however, told media in Monaco that his priority remains the Williams project, saying, "I want to be winning in F1… that’s my main message to my management" and acknowledging he must decide on his future this year.

Team principal James Vowles expressed confidence in the driver and the programme, while the squad works to improve the car’s performance as the season moves to the challenging street circuit in Baku.