There is something slightly mysterious about Carlos Sainz’s contract with Williams. It feels like the team wants to maintain a sort of suspense around this big transfer. Although James Vowles disagrees with these rumors, some insiders and experts hold a different view, with the speculations about a ‘special clause’ also reaching Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko. Does he believe in them?

It was surprising to know that Red Bull didn’t approach Carlos Sainz when the chances of a vacant seat appeared before them. The energy drinks brand kept circulating among themselves- from Liam Lawson to Daniel Ricciardo, and back again. Sainz’s fans expected Helmut Marko to ring up the former Red Bull Jr., for a conversation, however, that did not happen. And now, ‘Chilli’ is moving to the once-fierce Williams. Speaking in a recent interview, Dr. Marko shared his thoughts and good wishes for the Spaniard.

In a conversation with SPEEDWEEK.com, Helmut stated that Carlos Sainz’s move to Williams makes sense given his limited options. Audi looks weak for next year, and Alpine’s Mercedes engine timeline is uncertain. For Sainz, Williams was likely the best choice available. “It’s unfortunate that he is having his best season with Ferrari but doesn’t have a seat in a top team,” said Marko, adding, “However, Williams is making progress and has a strong engine there. Allegedly, his contract includes a clause allowing him to exit if a significantly better opportunity arises.”  The exit clause was one of the most talked about topics in F1 recently, and of course, Dr. Marko is aware.

Maybe to some extent, Helmut Marko does believe in Sainz’s contract’s secret clause. It is, in fact, a very intriguing discussion. And with time more rumors kept adding to its tail. Some said he could leave before starting and others think the ‘Smooth Operator’ is stuck with Williams for the rest of his career. So what is it?

Carlos Sainz’s Williams exit clause rumors have already surfaced

Following Sainz’s announcement of joining Williams in 2025, a series of rumors moved out of the rumor mills. These were all about the Spaniard’s exit clause. Why was this important already? Because fans as well as pundits couldn’t calculate Sainz’s math behind moving into James Vowles’s weak squad. One rumor became the talk of the town. According to this, Carlos Sainz is free to exit Williams even before the 2025 season begins, given a vacant seat appears at Red Bull or Mercedes. Moreover, these teams must approach him.

This rumor made little sense. Why would a team present such an offer to a driver where they could jeopardize their condition? These theories began circulating because of the rumors of Max Verstappen’s Mercedes connection. Meanwhile, Williams’ team principal has denied such words. James Vowles said: “The message ’25, ’26 and beyond’ [in Williams’ official announcement] did not come from me. That came from Carlos.” The team principal believes that his resolution for the upcoming years has aligned with Carlos Sainz’s determination to remain in F1. Moreover, Sainz could be the final piece of Vowles’ 2026 vision.

The truth is, Sainz’s exit clause has remained a secret. Endless rumors are moving around, so, believing or not depends on us. However, given how considerate Helmut Marko has been towards Carlos’ situation, can we assume he’ll contact the Spaniard if a vacancy appears in Red Bull? It’s hard to predict, but, what’s easy to say is that Carlos Sainz is here to stay in F1. Even if it means being in an average team, the Smooth Operator wants to continue enthralling the motorsport community with his skills.

Do you think Red Bull will approach Carlos in the future? Let us know in the comments.