Williams team principal James Vowles hailed Carlos Sainz’s “talent and dedication” after the Spaniard signed a multi-year contract extension on Wednesday, August 19.
The 31-year-old signed for Williams after making way for Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, where he spent four successful seasons following a two-year spell driving for McLaren.
Sainz enjoyed some success during the 2025 season, claiming podiums in Azerbaijan and Qatar to help Williams finish fifth in the Constructors’ Championship.
But this year has been an uphill battle, with the team claiming just 11 points from the first 11 rounds of the season to sit third from bottom in the standings.
Despite the team’s poor form, Sainz committed his future on the same day his team-mate Alex Albon signed a one-year extension to remain with the team for the 2027 season.
Leader of the team
Vowles said on Sky Sports: “From the moment he joined, Carlos’ talent behind the steering wheel and dedication back at the factory have been extremely valuable for this project – working day in, day out with his engineers to find every millisecond.
“He is a leader of this team, and I’m thrilled that he can see what’s possible as we continue to rebuild it.
“It’s not just his racecraft and speed that stand out, but the work he does behind the scenes in the pursuit of high performance.
“Carlos shares the belief and ambition we have at Atlassian Williams F1 Team and is pushing every day to deliver it.
“Along with Alex, I truly believe we have one of the strongest line-ups on the grid, and a team capable of fighting for every ounce of performance together.”
READ MORE: F1 news: Max Verstappen, Lando Norris praise standout Mercedes star Kimi Antonelli
Multi-year contract
A Williams statement read: “Atlassian Williams F1 Team today announces that Carlos Sainz has agreed a new multi-year contract with the team, in a show of faith in Williams’ long-term project to compete at the front of the F1 grid.
“The four-time race-winner joined Williams in 2025 and has played an instrumental role in driving forward the team’s rebuild, combining a detailed engineering approach with raw speed, smooth racecraft and a relentless determination to improve performance in every area.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: F1 news: Mercedes explain George Russell’s nightmare Hungarian Grand Prix start after anti-stall issue
Thrilled to continue
Sainz is confident the team will get back on track soon, saying: “I’m thrilled to announce my continued journey with the Atlassian Williams F1 Team family!
“I truly believe in the people that form this team, both at the factory and at the racetracks, and the investments and hard work that are happening in the background.
“We have what it takes to turn this around together.
“I’m as committed as I was on day one to helping get Williams back to where it belongs, and I look forward to creating more memories with the team.”
READ NEXT: Chelsea news: Ruud Gullit backs Xabi Alonso after Henderson, Welbeck signings
Juliette White 
Michael Davey