A Team Principal predicts that there are major driver moves to come in Formula One.
Headlines have been dominated by Max Verstappen’s potential departure to Mercedes. He recently confirmed he will be staying at Red Bull for 2026, shortly after Christian Horner was fired, but that hasn’t stopped talks of other driver movement.
The 2025 season saw half the seats in the grid filled with new drivers, including Lewis Hamilton moving to Ferrari in one of the biggest driver moves in F1 history. Williams Team Principal James Vowles said he expects there will be more to come.
James Vowles hints at future driver moves in 2026, ‘A lot of contracts are up’
Vowles, speaking to Sky Sports, noted that a lot of drivers’ contracts expire at the end of 2026. He said, “I think the end of 2026 will be another big driver market move. A lot of contracts are up at that stage.”
A number of the best drivers on the F1 grid see their contracts expire at the end of that year, including Lewis Hamilton and both Williams drivers.
When asked how he plans to keep Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz with the team, Vowles said, “Simple answer is this: I have two drivers that believe in what we’re doing in terms of the longevity of this team, the investment of this team, and the direction to go back towards winning championships.
“My job in all this is to make sure they’re duly rewarded for that journey, and they want to be a part of that journey at the same time. That’s all I can provide and offer them.
“Now if someone wants to come and offer them twice that money that’s their choice in doing so.”
Sainz joined Williams from Ferrari, despite initially wanting to join Mercedes. Mercedes opted for young star Kimi Antonelli over Sainz, but the Spaniard’s desire to join the Silver Arrows suggests that he has one eye on a bigger team.
James Vowles explains what Williams give to their drivers that other teams don’t
It’s a difficult task keeping drivers of the quality of Albon and Sainz with a midfield team. The regulation change in 2026, which Williams have had full focus on, could see them rise in the pecking order.
However, Williams could be forced to fend off bigger teams, such as Red Bull who have serious second seat problems. They may target Williams’ drivers.
Vowles revealed what his team offers their drivers that other teams don’t, saying, ”They are key leaders that are a direct impact on what this car looks like tomorrow, and looks like in a year’s time.
“That’s something not provided to a lot of drivers up and down the grid. They’re almost treated as a separate asset, a separate entity that comes in. That’s not what we provide here.”
Williams’ rise in recent years has been incredible. A few years ago they had the slowest car on the grid, but since Vowles joined they are firmly in the midfield. Using the guidance of their drivers, Williams will feel confident they can contend in a few years’ time.
Vowles said one of the keys to re-signing his drivers is starting those contract negotiations early, to avoid a contract dispute like George Russell is having at Mercedes currently.
He continued, “The second part of it is making sure we have conversations early enough in 2026 that this is where I want us to be in the future. Instead of letting things linger until the August break, commit early.”
While Vowles predicts driver moves in 2026, he is keen to stop that, including Albon and Sainz.