Williams Locks In Sainz for the Long Haul
The British-based Formula 1 team Williams Racing officially announced on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 that Carlos Sainz has signed a multi-year contract extension. This news came just hours after the team confirmed Alex Albon would remain as his teammate, putting an end to months of speculation about the Spanish driver's future.
According to reports from Marca and other European outlets, the deal is worth approximately $30 million per year, placing Sainz among the five highest-paid drivers on the grid. Williams described the agreement as a testament to their "confidence in the long-term project."
Highest-Paid F1 Drivers (2026 estimates, per Forbes and team announcements)
Sainz's new salary ties him with Charles Leclerc, who also earns $30M annually.
| # | Driver | Team | Total Earnings (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 76 million |
| 2 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 70.5 million |
| 3 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 57.5 million |
| 4 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 37.5 million |
| 5 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 30 million |
| 6 | Carlos Sainz | Williams | 30 million |
| 7 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 26.5 million |
| 8 | George Russell | Mercedes | 26 million |
| 9 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 13.5 million |
| 10 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 12.5 million |
Building a Leader for the Rebuild
Sainz, who joined Williams in 2025 after leaving Ferrari, has already delivered three podiums for the team: two in Grands Prix (Baku and Qatar) and one in the Austin sprint race. His efforts were key to Williams finishing fifth in the 2025 Constructors' Championship. However, the 2026 season has been more challenging, with the team currently sitting ninth in the standings with just 11 points, six of which belong to Sainz.
The 31-year-old Spaniard, who will enter his 13th consecutive season in F1 in 2027, expressed his commitment in the team's announcement: "I truly believe in the people who make up this team, both at the factory and at the track. We have everything we need to make this change happen together. My commitment is the same as from day one: to help Williams return to the place it deserves."
Team principal James Vowles praised Sainz's influence: "Since he joined, Carlos's talent behind the wheel and his dedication in the factory have been invaluable. He is a leader for this team, and I'm thrilled that he can see the potential we have."
2027 Grid: Who's Confirmed and Who's Still Up for Grabs
With the Sainz renewal, Williams becomes the fourth team to have both drivers signed for 2027, joining McLaren, Ferrari, and the newly admitted Cadillac. That leaves 12 seats still open across the remaining seven teams.
Confirmed Driver Lineups for 2027
- McLaren: Lando Norris & Oscar Piastri
- Ferrari: Charles Leclerc & Lewis Hamilton
- Cadillac: Sergio Pérez & Valtteri Bottas
- Williams: Alex Albon & Carlos Sainz
Red Bull: Max Verstappen is confirmed, but his teammate is still undecided.
The biggest question marks hang over Franco Colapinto's seat at Alpine, Esteban Ocon's future at Haas, and Liam Lawson's spot at Racing Bulls. Sainz's decision also ends the rumors linking him to Audi, which is expected to keep Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg as its duo.
Williams, celebrating 50 years in F1 and aiming to reclaim the glory of its nine constructors' titles and 114 race wins, sees this renewal as a cornerstone of its long-term recovery. Despite a tough 2026, the team believes the foundation is set for a stronger 2027 and beyond.
Sources: Infobae, Marca, La Voz, Williams Racing