Bombshell Carlos Sainz rumour sends Formula 1 into meltdown

The Formula 1 silly season has been kicked into overdrive with one driver linked to a bombshell move ahead of the 2025 season.

Could Carlos Sainz be headed to Williams? Picture: Mark Stewart

The Formula One silly season has taken off ahead of this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix.

On Friday morning (AEST) rumours emerged Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was being linked with a bombshell move for the 2025 season.

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The Spaniard’s future beyond this season has been the subject of intense speculation with his name linked to a host of potential moves.

Out of contract with Ferrari at the end of 2024, Sainz is reportedly the marquee signing for Sauber on a reported long-term deal.

He has also been floated as potentially taking a seat at either Red Bull or Mercedes who both currently have an open seat for next season.

But now a new contender has come to the party in a move that caught the F1 world completely by surprise.

Autosport reported on Friday that Sainz has been engaged in talks with Williams over a deal for the 2025 season.

Carlos Sainz linked with potential Williams move. (Photo by ANDREJ ISAKOVIC / AFP)

The news comes just days after reports emerged that Red Bull had offered a new contract to Sergio Perez to keep him alongside Max Verstappen.

But in a surprise twist, Perez reportedly knocked back the one-year offer and is said to be holding out for a two-year deal.

Sainz wouldn’t indulge on the latest rumours sweeping across the paddock, but said he’s putting all his options on the table before deciding what’s best for him.

“Behind the scenes I know more,” Sainz said.

“You have the rumours and everything, but don’t worry, I’m not going to let slip anything.

“I’m going to just put all the options on the table and make the right decision. I can just tell you that, once I open my mind up, everything will happen very quickly. It’s all about putting everything together that I feel like I need on my next new contract.”

The Williams rumours left motorsport fans stumbling over their keyboards as they reacted to the news.

The Grid Report wrote: “Ain’t now way this is remotely real right? Are they throwing some ownership options in or something?”

A second user wrote: “What on earth am I reading??? Surely, Williams is not a better option than Audi ffs.”

Carlos and Sergio Perez have been at the forefront of the rumour mill. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)

If the rumours come to fruition, Sainz would partner with Alex Albon for the 2025 season and potentially beyond.

Williams currently sit equal last on the constructors standings with zero points to their name so far in 2024.

While they’re not expected to be a powerhouse again next season, the team is deep in planning for 2026 when regulation changes are enforced.

The team have an engine deal with Mercedes in place with team principal James Vowles saying the team is preparing for a big shift come 2026.

“The 2025 car is in the tunnel, it’s as simple as that,” Vwles said.

“And you’re doing that to get ahead of yourself in time for actually 2026 and 2027. All the way through my messaging will continue to be the same: it’s not that I don’t care about these years (before 2026), but I want us to be successful in the future.

“To do that, I’ve got to make some pretty harsh decisions in order to transform the organisation.”

The Monaco Grand Prix is set to take place on Sunday night, with the race starting from 11pm (AEST).