Carlos Sainz handed Williams exit verdict as brutal reality sets in | F1 | Sport

Carlos Sainz may have to stick it out with Williams even if he wants to leave. That is the warning from former Formula 1 racer Juan Pablo Montoya who does not believe there are any significant opportunities out there for the Spaniard, who has made it clear he is considering his future.

Sainz rejected offers from the likes of Audi and Alpine in 2024 to join Williams, after months of talks and conversations following the news that he had lost his Ferrari seat to seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. And last year it looked to be the right call as Williams were clearly the top midfield team.

But they have not adapted well to the 2026 regulations and their competitiveness has waned. Just 11 points scored across the first half of the season has them ninth in the constructors’ standings, above only Aston Martin who waited to upgrade their car until the last race before the summer break, at which point they became faster than Williams, and newcomers Cadillac.

The situation has frustrated both Sainz and Alex Albon, but the Spaniard has been the most vocal of the two drivers in terms of what it means for his future. He said ahead of this summer break that he would speak with team principal James Vowles as well as his own personal team before making a decision about his future.

But Montoya told Express Sport, via Betpack: “There’s nowhere else he can go. That is the tough reality of it for him. In his position he needs to make the most of the fact that Williams really wants him and get the best deal he can out of them and commit to it. He needs to help ensure the right people are in the right places and that he has more say in what’s going on.”

Audi has been touted as a potential destination, after Sainz turned them down two years ago, mostly because his rally champion father Carlos Snr has a long-standing affiliation with the German brand. However, sources indicate the most likely outcome is that they continue with their current pairing of experienced veteran Nico Hulkenberg and highly-rated F1 sophomore Gabriel Bortoleto.

Alpine does have a potential vacancy: Pierre Gasly is tied down to a long-term deal but Franco Colapinto has not yet secured his place on the 2026 grid. Boss Flavio Briatore has not shown any public signs that he is looking for alternative options, but he could be tempted to make a move for Sainz should the four-time Grand Prix winner become available.

And the Spaniard could also become a target for Aston Martin, should his compatriot Fernando Alonso decide that this year is his last on the F1 grid. The 45-year-old has said he is likely to decide over this summer break whether or not to continue racing in the sport.