Sainz Commits to Williams Despite 'Flawed' Car

He just signed on for more of it. Carlos Sainz still thinks this year's Williams is fundamentally flawed, and he's staying anyway.

Carlos Sainz insists loyalty was the main reason he committed to Williams beyond 2026, even as he continues to describe this year's car as fundamentally flawed.

Why Sainz Chose Loyalty Over an Exit

The Spaniard has been one of Williams' most vocal critics throughout the season, but says leaving at the first major setback would have contradicted the message he wanted to send to the team.

"My priority was always to stay," he told Spanish reporters at Zandvoort. "It's not in my nature to say I'll stay here for many years and then jump ship at the first sign of trouble."

Sainz told Marca his decision was also intended to reinforce confidence inside the factory as work intensifies on the 2027 car. "There's a leadership aspect to the project, and it's important for everyone designing the 2027 car because the driver has confidence in them," he said. "I didn't pay attention to other teams. My priority was finding a way to stay here."

Sainz Doesn't Hold Back on the Car

He nevertheless made clear that his confidence in Williams does not extend to the current car. "We've created a concept that can't be developed much because it's ultimately a flawed car concept," said Sainz. "It's not fast from the start, and we don't have the capacity to develop it at the pace the best teams are. They're three seconds ahead, and it's clear something isn't working."

Sainz believes Williams simply got the fundamental 2026 concept wrong. "I think next year is the only opportunity to turn things around and start fresh," he said.

Don't Expect Miracles From the Baku Upgrade

He also played down expectations for the team's upcoming Baku upgrade. "I think the Baku upgrade, if it works out, could get us a little closer to the top 10. But we're so far behind even the Red Bull, a second and a half off in Budapest. Unless you bring a completely new car like Aston Martin has, an upgrade doesn't give you a second and a half."

Sainz says the contract extension should not be read as unconditional faith. "This doesn't mean that, obviously, if things continue to be a disaster, we shouldn't reconsider. But it's not in my character."

Related: Sainz Re-Signs at Williams, Securing Full 2027 Line-Up

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Leopold

Leopold Pleijsier founded F1-Fansite.com in 2001 and has followed Formula 1 since the early 1980s. He writes about daily F1 news, race weekends, drivers and the sport’s history.

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