Carlos Sainz rejects Williams contract extension amid Red Bull links
Carlos Sainz has reportedly rejected a £25.5m contract extension with Williams as the Spanish driver explores potential moves to rival Formula 1 teams.
The former Ferrari driver initially signed a two-year deal with the Grove-based outfit after being replaced by Lewis Hamilton ahead of the 2025 campaign.
However, a heavily compromised 2026 season has left the grand prix winner evaluating his long-term future on the grid.
Schumacher highlights Red Bull link
Former driver Ralf Schumacher has suggested the sought-after racer is keeping his options open amid a turbulent driver market.
“I’m curious about Sainz. He apparently rejected an offer from Williams,” Ralf Schumacher told Sky Germany.
“Is that related to the possibility that Max Verstappen might leave Red Bull? Or is Sainz even headed to Audi?”
Aerodynamic struggles plague Williams
Schumacher also highlighted deep-rooted issues within the current Williams setup under the new regulations.
“Things are tense at Williams. The team made a huge mistake with the car.”
The historic British team are currently languishing in ninth place in the Constructors’ Championship at the summer break.
Their FW48 challenger has suffered from excess weight and severe aerodynamic instability since its initial production.
Vowles shifts focus to future
Consequently, the Madrid-born racer sits 15th in the Drivers’ Championship with a mere six points to his name.
Team principal James Vowles is now reportedly shifting focus towards the 2027 season to rectify these fundamental design flaws.
The proposed £25.5m extension would have made the Spaniard one of the highest-paid competitors on the current grid.
Instead, he could now make a sensational switch to Red Bull, Aston Martin or Alpine for the upcoming campaign.