Stainer: If I were Sainz, I would join Audi.

      Carlos Sainz's multi-year contract with Williams was announced at the end of August last year, after the Spanish driver had explored all possible options and considered everything thoroughly. In a recent interview, he was asked whether there was a chance to move to Mercedes, as rumors of a swap between that team and Ferrari, for which Lewis Hamilton now races, were circulating as one of the plausible scenarios.

      However, Carlos responded: "At that time, we spoke a lot with Toto Wolff and everyone else, and such an option was certainly among those we considered. But how close were we to reaching an agreement? You can ask Toto about that. I believe he's very pleased with Kimi Anttonelli..."

      But is Sainz satisfied with his choice to join Williams? Does he regret it?

      According to Günter Steiner, Carlos should have signed with Sauber, as the Swiss team will become Audi F1 next year, promising exciting prospects.

      Steiner participated once again in the podcast The Red Flags, and when the hosts asked his opinion on whether Sainz regrets his decision to move to Williams, he answered affirmatively.

      "It’s not just about results; it’s also about the fact that he raced for Ferrari when Matteo Binotto (now heading the factory Audi F1 program) was running the team," Steiner reminded. "Overall, I don’t think his current experience with Williams can be called positive.

      I want to say that he has quite a few difficulties, and he is a very good driver. Williams started the season well, but that’s mostly thanks to Albon, not Sainz. Carlos still can’t achieve good results."

      So far, the Spanish driver’s best achievement this season remains 8th place at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, and while Albon scored 46 points in the first half of the championship, his teammate has only 13.

      Meanwhile, Nico Hülkenberg, a highly experienced driver who returned to Sauber this year—team for which he competed as far back as 2013—stood on the podium for the first time in his career at Silverstone, despite not driving the fastest car either.

      “In general, it's clear that Carlos is a bit disappointed. And I’ve already said that if I were in his position, I would join the Audi project. But once you’ve made a decision, you have to accept everything related to your choice,” summarized the former Haas team principal.