Patrese warns Sainz that Red Bull move could be 'worse than Williams'
F1 veteran Riccardo Patrese cautions Carlos Sainz that leaving Williams for Red Bull may not solve his competitive woes, as the top team faces its own instability. With other front-running teams' seats locked down, Sainz's options for a 2027 move appear severely limited, leaving him to lead Williams through a difficult start to the new regulations.
Former F1 driver Riccardo Patrese has suggested Carlos Sainz has few appealing options to leave a struggling Williams team, warning that a potential move to Red Bull—should a seat open—might be an even less competitive situation given the reigning champions' internal turmoil.
Why it matters:
Sainz faces a critical career juncture. After a strong 2025 season that helped Williams to its best constructors' finish in years, the team's step back under the new 2026 regulations has been severe. With top teams like Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren having their line-ups locked in, his realistic alternatives for 2027 appear limited, potentially trapping him in a midfield battle regardless of his choice.
Between the lines:
Patrese's analysis highlights the precarious driver market and the risks of trading one set of problems for another.
- Limited Top-Tier Options: Patrese explicitly rules out returns to Ferrari or moves to McLaren and Mercedes, noting their driver contracts are secure barring a major shock.
- The Red Bull Caveat: While a seat at Red Bull could theoretically open if Max Verstappen departs, Patrese casts doubt on its appeal, citing the loss of "key people" and suggesting the team could end up "maybe even worse than Williams."
- Sainz's Acknowledged Frustration: The driver himself has called the team's performance drop a "big" and unexpected "bump," admitting he sensed delays and weight issues months before the season began.
What's next:
The immediate focus is on Williams' ability to recover. Patrese, a former Williams driver, expresses hope that the team can use the current break to bring meaningful updates and improve the FW48. For Sainz, the 2026 season becomes an exercise in patience and leadership, working to pull Williams up the grid while waiting to see if a truly competitive seat materializes for 2027.
Don't miss the next lap
Get the deep dives and technical analysis from the world of F1 delivered to your inbox twice a week.
Zero spam. Only high-octane analysis. Unsubscribe anytime.
Join the inner circle
Get the deep dives and technical analysis from the world of F1 delivered to your inbox twice a week.
Zero spam. Only high-octane analysis. Unsubscribe anytime.
