Schumacher advises Sainz to steer clear of Williams

Ralf Schumacher is advising Carlos Sainz to reconsider joining his old Formula 1 team.

Recent reports suggest that Sainz, set to part ways with Ferrari at the end of the season, is nearing a deal with Williams, potentially for just a single year to keep his options open for moves to either Red Bull or Mercedes in the future.

Although Schumacher secured all six of his Formula 1 victories with Williams, he is not optimistic about this move for Sainz.

"I strongly advise him against it," the former German racer stated to formel1.de.

"I would go for a team that is 100 percent for me," he continued. "And currently that team (Williams) is at a dead end."

"So far they've really disappointed me. I think that in the long term, he would have the better chance at Audi because of his father's connections to the company."

Mercedes has apparently informed the 29-year-old Spanish driver that they will not extend a contract offer for 2025. Schumacher pointed out that Sainz was probably never a top pick, as "they could have already asked him to sign a contract."

In contrast, Sergio Perez is likely to stay with Red Bull through 2025.

"We can't forget that as long as Max Verstappen is there, the budget is relatively tight at Red Bull - and Perez brings in money," Schumacher observed.