Special Clause In Sainz's Contract With Williams? Marko Shares What He Heard

Thursday, 08 August 2024 at 10:18

There have been rumors that Carlos Sainz's contract with Williams might contain a special clause. Helmut Marko shared his thoughts about the contract and what he heard about the clause.

Carlos Sainz will become a Williams driver from the 2025 season. He signed a multi-year deal with the British team, announced after the Belgian Grand Prix.

By this point in the season, the 29-year-old wasn't left with too many options. It seemed the teams most interested in his services were Williams, Sauber (future Audi), and Alpine.

Did he make the right choice when he decided to sign with the British team? Red Bull's motorsport advisor Helmut Marko shared what he thought in his column for Speedweek:

“"It is understandable that Carlos decided to go to Williams, because what would the alternatives be?"”

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“"Audi will certainly not be one of them next year if you look at their successes. And at Alpine, we don't know whether they will get the Mercedes engine in 2025 or not until 2026. I would say that was the best solution for him in his situation."”

While asserted it was the best solution, the 81-year-old also suggested it was "tragic" to see a driver of such high level going to a team that will most probably be unable to give him a competitive car next year.

“"It is, of course, tragic that he is having his best season at Ferrari and is not getting a seat in a top team. But things should be moving forward at Williams, he has a strong engine there too."”

There were some rumors that Sainz's contract could potentially include a clause that would set him free whenever he wanted if another F1 team was interested in his services.

Although Williams's team principal, James Vowles, suggested that everything we hear is pure speculation, Marko chimed in in his column, where he added that he has heard the same thing from his sources.