Sainz waiting for Verstappen to leave Red Bull says Schumacher after report claims €30m Williams rejection
Carlos Sainz reportedly rejects €30m Williams offer as Ralf Schumacher links him to Verstappen’s Red Bull future – Carlos Sainz’s Formula 1 future has become increasingly uncertain after reports claimed the Williams driver rejected a lucrative contract extension, with former F1 racer Ralf Schumacher suggesting the Spaniard could be positioning himself for a move to Red Bull if Max Verstappen eventually leaves Red Bull.
According to Autosprint, Williams has presented the 31-year-old with a substantial new contract worth a reported €30 million per season. If accurate, that salary would place Sainz among Formula 1’s highest-paid drivers and underline how highly Williams continues to value his experience.
However, the report claims Sainz has not accepted the proposal, adding another layer of uncertainty to the driver market.
Speaking to Sky, Schumacher suggested that the situation at Williams could become increasingly difficult.
“Things are heating up at Williams,” commented Ralf Schumacher on Sky regarding the recent reports that Carlos Sainz had rejected a mega contract extension offer: “The team made a huge mistake with the car. Vowles, who was able to build a car from scratch for the first time under the new regulations, also failed to position himself properly. There’s bound to be a clash there too.”
Schumacher links Sainz with Verstappen’s Red Bull future
Schumacher believes Sainz could be keeping his options open rather than committing immediately to Williams.
The most intriguing possibility involves Red Bull. Sainz has previously been connected with the team, and Schumacher believes the Spaniard could be monitoring the situation surrounding Verstappen before deciding on his next move.
“He apparently turned down an offer from Williams. Is that related to the possibility that Max Verstappen might leave Red Bull?” speculated the brother of F1 record world champion Michael Schumacher to the pay-TV channel, but also brought two other teams into the discussion: “Oscar Piastri has lost a bit of his status and prestige at McLaren. Or is Sainz even headed to Audi?”
The Red Bull scenario remains speculation rather than an indication that a deal is being negotiated. Nevertheless, Verstappen’s future has been a recurring subject of discussion, making any potential vacancy at the championship-winning team particularly significant for the driver market.
Audi and Aston Martin also possible destinations
Red Bull is not the only potential destination being discussed for Sainz.
Audi is another obvious name in the speculation, particularly given the German manufacturer’s ambitions in Formula 1. Schumacher explicitly raised the possibility of Sainz moving to Audi, although there is currently no confirmation that negotiations are taking place.
Aston Martin could also become relevant. Fernando Alonso’s future remains an important factor in the team’s driver planning, with reports claiming the two-time world champion is seeking around €40 million per season to continue beyond his current deal.
The team has meanwhile invested heavily in its technical operation, with Adrian Newey playing a central role in its long-term ambitions.
Sainz faces a crucial career decision
Other teams could also enter the picture. Haas, Alpine and Cadillac could all have driver-market decisions to make involving Esteban Ocon, Franco Colapinto and Sergio Pérez, potentially creating further movement.
For Sainz, however, the key question is whether leaving Williams would actually represent a step forward.
The Spaniard joined Williams after leaving Ferrari and has established himself as one of the experienced drivers on the 2026 grid. A reported €30 million offer demonstrates Williams’ desire to retain him, but rejecting such a proposal would suggest Sainz believes another opportunity could offer greater competitive potential.
For now, there is no confirmation that Sainz is waiting for Verstappen to leave Red Bull.
Schumacher’s theory is just that — a theory. But with several teams potentially facing important driver decisions, Sainz’s reported refusal to commit to Williams could become one of the key pieces in the next Formula 1 silly-season puzzle.
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