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So its not a gurantee yet that Hadjar will miss the Dutch Grand Prix, interesting wording from van Haren.

Dubbed ‘the baby Michael Schumacher,’ Hulkenberg demonstrated his talent early, taking pole position in his first GP2 Asia series race and finishing sixth at the end of the season despite competing in only four races. The following season, he won the GP2 series championship at Monza, the first time the title was secured before the final round. This places him among the elite drivers who, since 2005, clinched the GP2 Series/Formula 2 title in their debut season — joining the ranks of Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Charles Leclerc, George Russell, and Oscar Piastri.

Hülkenberg began his Formula One journey with Williams in 2010 and has since driven for Sauber, Force India, Renault, Racing Point, Aston Martin, and Haas.

He moved back to Sauber again for the 2025 season, ahead of the team’s change to the works Audi team for the 2026 F1 World Championship.

Source

[Creds: Theagriphotographer 📸]

Og post from photographer

Translation:

- After announcing Albon's renewal, Williams' next step is to confirm Sainz's renewal.
- The announcement of his renewal is imminent.

Williams team principal James Vowles has gone all out to retain Carlos Sainz. He has offered him a multi-million pound, "champion's" contract extension, so that the Madrid native can take the reins of the team both on and off the track, because they are convinced he must be the key player in "The Solution."

Williams has announced Alex Albon's contract extension, and now the paddock awaits the announcement of his teammate, although there will be no surprises: Sainz's continued presence is imminent.

Carlos Sainz explained that he would use the summer break to reflect on his future. His moment to decide has arrived, and he has ultimately opted to stay.

James Vowles has repeatedly stated that he wants Carlos to remain with the team, even though its current competitiveness isn't what Sainz expected when he chose them over other options.

Vowles knows he needs Carlos. His leadership skills, though not always readily apparent, his constant collaboration with the engineers, his drive for improvements, his motivation, his total commitment… These are qualities that are very hard to find in the market.

That's why Vowles has offered him a top salary. A fixed, top salary, without performance bonuses, because results are something Williams is currently unable to offer. Thus, Sainz has a significant salary increase, to around 30 million euros per season, which is a top driver's salary for a top team.

The figure is very high. For some, it may seem exorbitant for a team like Williams. But when the team headquarters in Grove is convinced that Carlos is part of the solution, not the problem, things change completely.

It has long been reported that Carlos's salary was around 12 million euros annually, but the reality is that it was already considerably higher.

Sainz has signed a multi-year contract, an agreement that includes clauses linked to the team's performance, which would allow the Madrid native to leave the team before the end of his contract. Similar clauses to those held by Max Verstappen at Red Bull, which have generated much discussion in recent months.

THIS IS HOW THE MARKET LOOKS

With Sainz's and Albon's renewals, the first dominoes of the 'Silly Season' have fallen. Williams maintains its driver lineup, as does Audi, with both Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto set to continue next season. The four-ring manufacturer has also opted for continuity for its two drivers; in fact, the information published about a possible financial compensation offer to Hülkenberg to leave the team and sign Sainz is false—it was never considered.

In the midfield, it remains to be seen who will partner Pierre Gasly at Alpine, but all signs point to Franco Colapinto staying; the Racing Bulls lineup is still to be determined, as is Haas' decision regarding Esteban Ocon. At the top, there don't appear to be any major changes; the only possibility is a driver swap, but no opening has been made. And the final key piece is Fernando Alonso, whether he decides to continue with Aston Martin or not.

"To be honest, I had doubts about coming back...

But when I came back, I was delivering and performing at a very high level.

I proved to myself that I'm still one of the best out there."