Carlos Sainz Renews with Williams on a Star Salary

Following the announcement of Alex Albon's contract extension, Williams is now set to confirm Carlos Sainz's continued tenure. The agreement, which grants the Spanish driver star status and a significant salary, is expected to be made official during the Dutch Grand Prix.

The British team thus manages to retain its current driver lineup, a desire explicitly stated by team principal James Vowles. This commitment to continuity comes despite a disappointing season, which has been a cold shower for the team after their fifth-place finish in last year's Constructors' Championship.

Before the summer break, Carlos Sainz was quite critical of Williams' direction, stating he would use the vacation to reflect on his future. At the time, strong rumors linked him to other teams, particularly Audi, who had already shown interest in the driver when his departure from Ferrari to make way for Hamilton was confirmed. However, according to the newspaper Sport, Sainz appears to have opted to remain with the team.

To persuade the Spanish driver, Vowles offered him a champion's salary. According to the portal soymotor, the figure is estimated to be around 30 million euros per season. This represents a significant increase, considering Sainz's initial contract with Williams was for twelve million. The new remuneration places him on a similar level to his friend and current champion, Lando Norris.

Beyond the financial terms, Sainz's new contract includes a crucial escape clause. Similar to the one Max Verstappen holds with Red Bull, this team performance clause would allow the Madrid-born driver to depart Williams early if the team fails to meet its established improvement targets.