Key takeaways
- Targeting 2040 longevity: Carlos Sainz expressed his desire to compete in F1 until age 45, drawing inspiration from Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, and his father.
- Committed to Williams: Sainz recently signed a multi-year extension with Williams, solidifying his partnership alongside Alexander Albon for 2027 and beyond.
- Physical and mental drive: The Spaniard believes strict physical conditioning and strong motivation are key to sustaining a long-term career despite a demanding 24-race calendar.
Carlos Sainz has no intention of walking away from Formula 1 anytime soon. Despite facing a difficult 2026 season with Williams, the Spaniard remains fully committed to the grid and has set his sights on competing until at least 2040, when he will turn 45 years old.
Speaking to Autosport, Sainz—who turns 32 on September 1—pointed to veterans Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, Nico Hülkenberg, and his father, two-time World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz Sr., as proof that elite performance can extend well beyond typical athletic prime years.
“Looking at what Fernando and Lewis are still able to do, as well as Nico Hülkenberg, who is a few years older than me, it confirms to me that it’s possible to maintain a very high level of driving for a long time,” Sainz explained. “I also have an example within my family. My father, Carlos, isn’t in Formula 1, but at 63 he is still competitive and won Dakar two years ago.“
Sainz emphasized that physical fitness and mental endurance are critical to surviving the modern F1 schedule: “If you take care of your physical condition and maintain strong motivation, you can prolong your career for a long time. You have to be in a good place mentally to deal with all the travel, marketing, and press commitments. Setting those aspects aside, I think it’s possible to continue until 45.“
Currently sitting 16th in the 2026 Drivers’ Championship with 6 points, Sainz recently signed a multi-year contract extension with Williams, locking in the team’s lineup alongside Alexander Albon as the Grove squad works through its long-term rebuild.
“For now, yes. I will stay in Formula 1 for as long as I can,” Sainz added. “I know how privileged I am to be part of this sport. It’s true that 24 races is a lot, but when I go to bed at night, I remind myself that I wouldn’t trade this for anything in the world.“
Sainz’s long-term vision arrives amidst widespread paddock news, including Frédéric Vasseur urging Ferrari to take greater strategic risks at Monza and Red Bull evaluating Isack Hadjar’s return from a wrist injury.
Formula 1 action resumes from September 4–6 for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza (Round 13 of the 2026 season). GRANDE PRÊMIO will provide complete live coverage across every session. Follow all updates on our news page.
Veterans and Longevity Examples in Motorsport
| Driver | Current / Active Age | Key Longevity Milestone / Achievement |
| Fernando Alonso | 45 | Oldest driver to score F1 points in over 50 years |
| Lewis Hamilton | 41 | Oldest F1 race winner since 1994 |
| Nico Hülkenberg | 39 | Consistent points-scorer into his late 30s |
| Carlos Sainz Sr. | 64 | Won Dakar Rally at age 61 |
| Carlos Sainz Jr. | 31 (Turns 32 Sept 1) | Target: Active F1 driver through 2040 (Age 45) |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. How long is Carlos Sainz’s new contract with Williams?
Carlos Sainz signed a multi-year contract extension with Williams, securing his drive alongside Alexander Albon for 2027 and beyond.
2. What age does Carlos Sainz target for his F1 retirement?
Sainz believes he can maintain an elite level of performance and continue racing in Formula 1 until age 45 (through the 2040 season).
3. When is the next race on the 2026 F1 calendar?
The next event is the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, taking place from September 4–6, 2026.
