Coulthard: Sainz's Williams Move 'Right on Paper' Despite 2026 Setbacks

Carlos Sainz is weighing his future during the F1 summer break, but David Coulthard insists the Spaniard's decision to join Williams over Audi remains the right call "on paper." Despite Williams falling toward the back of the grid in 2026 after a delayed car launch, the former Williams driver believes the Grove squad's comeback is coming.

Why it matters:

Sainz's move to Williams was a high-profile gamble after losing his Ferrari seat to Lewis Hamilton, yet the team failed to capitalize on its early regulation focus. With Audi now a rumored 2027 destination and Williams languishing in ninth place, Sainz's summer evaluation will likely determine whether he maintains faith in the project or pursues other options.

The details:

• Williams dedicated much of 2025 preparing for new regulations, but late supplier information forced internal delays that produced a car that was both overweight and missed the first pre-season test.
• Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, Coulthard cited those supplier issues as the "mitigating circumstances" behind the team's poor start, insisting the "comeback will be sweet."
• While Coulthard praised Williams' driver pairing, he admitted 2026 is likely a "write-off" for points unless a major upgrade arrives before the season ends.
• Sainz has publicly lamented the team's struggles but has consistently voiced commitment to the project, even after reports at the Barcelona GP identified Audi as a potential 2027 landing spot.
• Williams sits ninth in the Constructors' standings, a single point behind Audi, the very team Sainz originally rejected.

What's next:

Sainz deliberately paused all contract talks until the summer break to assess his position, and that window is now open. Team principal James Vowles has conceded Sainz could land elsewhere, meaning Williams must convince him their late and heavy 2026 car was an anomaly, not a sign of deeper structural problems, before the Spaniard commits to staying for 2027.