Carlos Sainz shuts down Mercedes 2026 rumors, confirms commitment to Williams

Carlos Sainz has opened up on the rumors about his potential exit from Williams to replace rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes in 2026. The rumors about this move started a few days before the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix Weekend.

Former F1 racer Ralf Schumacher claimed that Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff could sign Sainz, who would be "available at any time". He believed that there would be exit clauses in the Spanish driver's Williams contract, which could come into play if Mercedes wanted to change its lineup.

Carlos Sainz responded to the rumors after the Azerbaijan GP qualifying session on Sunday, September 20, after claiming a front row grid position alongside pole-winner Max Verstappen. When the 31-year-old was questioned about potentially replacing Antonelli in 2026, he clarified that neither Toto Wolff nor Williams Team Principal James Vowels, who worked at Mercedes until 2023, had spoken to him about a team switch.

"I know I have a contract with Williams and that Toto hasn't called me or his friend James Vowles. They're just rumors, as always happens in Formula 1. I don't listen to them. I'm focused on this project, and honestly, I think I'm in the right place at the right time," Sainz said.

Mercedes has yet to renew contracts for both its racers, with both George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli free agents in the 2026 F1 racer market as of the Azerbaijan GP Weekend. While Russell's performance has been performing well at a time when Mercedes is going through a tough time, Antonelli has failed to collect points in seven of the last 10 races.

Moreover, the 18-year-old rookie is under pressure at the team, with Toto Wolf making his first public criticism of Antonelli after the conclusion of Italian GP, saying his performance "underwhelming."

Carlos Sainz's opinion after Azerbaijan qualifying

After the end of the Azerbaijan GP qualifying, Carlos Sainz revealed his feelings and said that he wants to secure first podium with Williams. Speaking with Sky Sports F1, he said:

"Very happy! We nailed the Qualifying today, always on the right tyre at the right time and some very good laps. We are P2, it is great news. Plan for tomorrow - try and stick it on the podium. I am going to try my best to give Williams a first podium."

As of now, Carlos Sainz is in P18 in the Drivers' Championship with 16 points after 16 races and three sprints. His teammate, Alex Albon, is in P7 with 70 points. Williams are in P5 in the Constructors' Championship with 86 points.