Carlos Sainz looks set for a change in 2026, with several teams already linked to his name. His manager has even started discussions with Red Bull.
Sainz has an exit clause that allows him to walk away from Williams at the end of the season. The team’s early struggles in 2026, despite shifting their development focus to the new regulations last year, may make it unlikely that he extends his deal for another two years.
If he does leave, there will be plenty of interest. Ferrari are reportedly open to bringing Sainz back to Maranello, while he’s also keeping an eye on former teams McLaren and Red Bull.
Carlos Sainz’s manager begins talks with Red Bull as Max Verstappen future remains uncertain
With Max Verstappen’s future still up in the air, Red Bull are quietly exploring their options. Oscar Piastri is one name linked to the seat, though the Australian has already played down any talk of a move.
Sainz, meanwhile, might be considering a return to the Red Bull family. His manager has already reached out to start conversations. Sainz came up through Toro Rosso back in 2015 but never made it into the main Red Bull line-up.
Motorsport.com Italia journalist Roberto Chinchero spoke about how things are shaping up at Red Bull: “There’s also Carlos’s bid. Sure, I mean, his manager has definitely knocked on Red Bull’s door too, but I’m 100% ready to bet on it.
“It’s true that, well, in some respects Sainz has more experience, but in other respects, you see, Oscar has already experienced that very special atmosphere you breathe when you’re fighting for a championship.
“Sainz has never experienced that in Formula 1. He’s already experienced those fierce head-to-head battles where you go toe-to-toe with your teammate.
“It probably also depends on the long-term perspective. It depends on whether the driver you’re looking for is theoretically Max’s replacement or could also be Max’s teammate.
“In that case, Sainz, especially at Red Bull, don’t consider him the right person to put alongside him to partner him with Verstappen. So there are many factors; the question is a good one, mind you, but there are quite a few factors under discussion at the moment.”
Carlos Sainz comments on potential Red Bull return
While it’s still uncertain if Sainz will make his way back to Red Bull, it’s clear he won’t be lining up alongside Max Verstappen. Their history from their Toro Rosso days makes that pairing unlikely.
Reports have put Sainz in the frame to replace Verstappen if he moves on. Williams have had a tough start to 2026, managing just seven points so far and struggling to make it out of Q1.
Even with those challenges, Sainz has said he would find winning with Williams more rewarding than going back to Red Bull. The team is focused on rebuilding and climbing back up the grid, and for now, Sainz seems committed to that long-term project.
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