Marco: It seems like there is a special condition in Sainz’s contract

Helmut Marko has hinted that Carlos Sainz’s contract with Williams contains a clause allowing him to leave the British team if he receives a more attractive offer.

Sainz spent six months choosing the most suitable option for him and received offers from Williams, Sauber/Audi and Alpine, but ultimately he made his decision. His multi-year contract with the Grove team was announced immediately after the Belgian Grand Prix, but there were immediate rumours that his agreement with Williams contained early termination clauses.

That’s why team manager James Vowles rushed to respond to such talks, calling them speculation: “Only ten people in the world know exactly what’s in the contract. Only ten. And I guarantee that there’s no member of the press on that list. Carlos’ side knows the details of the contract, and so do I. Everything you read on the internet is nothing more than speculation.”

Marco, a Red Bull motorsport advisor, however, commented on the situation with his former driver’s new contract in his own way on the pages of Speedweek: “It is clear why Carlos decided to go to Williams – and what alternatives did he have? If you look at the “successes” of Sauber/Audi, you should not think about this team with a view to next year.

As for Alpine, we don’t know if they will get Mercedes engines in 2025 or not until 2026. So I would say Williams is the best solution in this situation. Of course, it is a bit of a tragedy that Sainz is having his best season for Ferrari, but has not managed to secure a place in a top team.

However, Williams are making progress and they have good engines. And apparently there is a clause in the contract that allows Carlos to leave if he gets an offer from a team that is significantly higher up in the Constructors’ Championship.”