Williams’ Carlos Sainz makes call on his future after first-year exit clause was revealed

Sainz’s Williams contract reportedly had an exit clause for Mercedes or Red Bull, both with expiring driver contracts next season.

Team principal James Vowles clarified that Sainz could either leave at the end of 2026 or extend his stay by triggering an option. This kind of flexibility is becoming more common in F1 contracts, especially with major regulation changes coming.

But according to Auto Motor und Sport that exit clause was actually active this year, which gave Sainz the option to leave almost immediately after signing. This suggests he had some early doubts about joining a team that finished ninth last season.

However, the report adds that this will not happen due to Williams’ recent performances. The Spaniard remains comm itted to Vowles’ project, despite being dissatisfied.

Red Bull miss out on signing Carlos Sainz, who could have been the perfect fit

Sainz probably would have been an upgrade over Kimi Antonelli in the short term, but Mercedes see more potential in Antonelli in the long run. It is not as if Sainz was a realistic option anyway.

While some argue Ferrari should re-sign Sainz due to Hamilton’s struggles, the seven-time world champion has proved he deserves patience.

But Red Bull might have missed the biggest opportunity by not making a stronger push for him. Verstappen’s camp is understood to be fine with the idea of working alongside Sainz.

The Spanish driver was arguably the most realistic option available, especially with Yuki Tsunoda looking likely to lose his seat. The door seems closed now, though a move would have made more sense last year.

Sainz may have turned down Red Bull anyway. Williams are optimistic about becoming contenders within the next few years, while Red Bull face growing uncertainty as they transition away from the Christian Horner era and Honda partnership.