Williams retains Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon with new contracts
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 21, 2026, 1:18 PM
Last updated Aug 21, 2026
Williams team principal James Vowles expressed concerns about losing Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon amid a disappointing 2026 season. Both drivers signed new contracts with the team, alleviating fears about their futures. Sainz finished 2025 strongly with two podiums, but Williams has struggled in 2026, failing the first pre-season test and facing competitiveness issues. Vowles emphasized the importance of the drivers' commitment to the team's future plans.
- •Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon sign new contracts with Williams.
- •Vowles feared losing both drivers due to team struggles.
- •Sainz had a strong 2025 season but faced challenges in 2026.
- •Williams failed the first pre-season test and struggled for competitiveness.
- 2:07 PMESPN F1 — Vowles concerned he would lose Sainz and Albon
- 1:34 PMMotorsport.com — Williams was "concerned about losing both" Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon before contract extensions
- 9:33 AMYahoo Sports — Williams boss Vowles feared Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon would leave
"Williams boss James Vowles admits the team's disastrous 2026 campaign made him worry about losing both Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, before the pair re-signed for next year. Williams received a shot in the arm earlier this week when both drivers pledged their future to the struggling outfit. Albon took up an extension for the 2027 season, while Sainz signed what was billed a "multi-year" ...Keep reading
"Williams team principal James Vowles admits he feared losing both Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon amid the team's struggles this season. Both drivers committed to the Grove-based team earlier this week by signing new deals, ending speculation that their futures may lay elsewhere.
"Williams team principal James Vowles has admitted he was concerned about losing his two star drivers to rival teams in 2027 after the team made a slow start to Formula 1's latest regulation cycle.
Sources
External links- ESPN F1Aug 21, 2026, 2:07 PMVowles concerned he would lose Sainz and Albon
Williams team principal James Vowles has admitted he was concerned about losing his two star drivers to rival teams in 2027 after the team made a slow start to Formula 1's latest regulation cycle.
- Motorsport.comAug 21, 2026, 1:34 PMWilliams was "concerned about losing both" Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon before contract extensions
Williams boss James Vowles admits the team's disastrous 2026 campaign made him worry about losing both Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, before the pair re-signed for next year. Williams received a shot in the arm earlier this week when both drivers pledged their future to the struggling outfit. Albon took up an extension for the 2027 season, while Sainz signed what was billed a "multi-year" ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsAug 21, 2026, 9:33 AMWilliams boss Vowles feared Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon would leave
Williams team principal James Vowles admits he feared losing both Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon amid the team's struggles this season. Both drivers committed to the Grove-based team earlier this week by signing new deals, ending speculation that their futures may lay elsewhere.
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