McLaren CEO Zak Brown has indicated that Carlos Sainz is still on his team’s radar for future driver positions, should any openings arise in the years ahead.
Sainz raced for the Woking-based team for two seasons in 2019 and 2020 before shifting to Ferrari, where he formed a productive partnership with Lando Norris, famously fostering a strong friendship as teammates.
Zak Brown: Carlos Sainz Considered for Future McLaren Seat
Having spent four years at Ferrari, McLaren has returned to its title-winning ways, clinching its first Constructors’ Championship since 1998 last year. Meanwhile, Norris has emerged as a leading title contender, with teammate Oscar Piastri currently holding a 10-point lead over him.
In contrast, Sainz has had to adjust his ambitions this season after joining Williams. Following Ferrari’s decision to pair seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton with Charles Leclerc for the 2026 season, Sainz found himself seeking a new opportunity.
After signing a long-term contract with Williams, a team that is in a transitional phase reminiscent of where McLaren was five years ago under James Vowles, Sainz’s situation is notably different. In discussing the choice to remove Sainz in favor of Hamilton, Brown noted the complexities involved: “Lewis is a seven-time champion, and there aren’t many times you can sign an athlete of his caliber.”
Ferrari’s team principal Fred Vasseur has suggested that a return for Sainz in the future is not ruled out, maintaining a positive and professional relationship despite Sainz preparing for his exit.
Brown acknowledged McLaren’s willingness to consider Sainz for any potential openings, stating, “If we had an open seat, we would definitely think about Carlos.” However, the current contracts for Norris and Piastri keep them with McLaren for the foreseeable future.
While Sainz adjusts to his new role at Williams, he aims to contribute to the team’s resurgence to prominence in Formula 1, expressing enthusiasm about being part of a critical chapter in the team’s history. “It would be the proudest moment of my career to stand on the podium with this historic team,” he shared, motivated by the potential to aid in its ascent back to the top.
