F1: Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz in talks with Williams, despite strong links with Zhou Guanyu’s Sauber, report says
- It was announced in February that seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton would leave Mercedes for Ferrari
- Sainz has reportedly received an offer from Sauber-Audi but has also been linked with Mercedes and Red Bull
Williams have emerged as surprise contenders to sign Carlos Sainz, who will depart Ferrari’s Formula One team after this season, according to a report.
Sainz has reportedly received an offer from Sauber-Audi, where China’s Zhou Guanyu is contracted, but has been holding out hope that an opportunity might arise with Mercedes or Red Bull.
However, Motorsport.com reported on Thursday that the Spaniard has been in discussions with Williams, who recently re-signed Alex Albon to a multi-year deal.
Sainz has been evaluating his options since the bombshell announcement in February that seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton would be leaving Mercedes for Ferrari, where he will join Charles Leclerc.
Red Bull are widely expected to re-sign Sergio Perez for 2025 alongside Max Verstappen, while Mercedes are believed to be leaning towards elevating junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli to replace Hamilton.
Sainz’s next steps could have a direct impact on Zhou’s future. The Chinese driver’s contract with Sauber runs out this year and it remains to be seen whether his deal will be extended and what effect the potential arrival of the Spaniard would have.
