Carlos Sainz thinks it’s still too early to write off the 2026 Formula 1 regulations entirely. Many drivers concluded during the Bahrain test days that the brand‑new cars sap the driving pleasure out of the top category, largely because energy management will play a much bigger role during races. Sainz hopes his fellow drivers will nevertheless give the rules a chance: ‘Otherwise I’ll be the first, together with Max, to go to Domenicali or Ben Sulayem.’
There was eager anticipation over the winter break for the brand‑new cars for the 2026 season. Formula 1 entered a new regulations cycle, which meant both the chassis rules and the engine rules had to be completely overhauled. However, many drivers in Bahrain weren’t very enthusiastic about the 2026 cars after the first test laps. For example, Max Verstappen labelled driving them ‘Formula E on steroids’, while Fernando Alonso was also unhappy with the new energy management.
Carlos Sainz – chair of the drivers’ union the GPDA – hopes his fellow drivers will give the new rules a second chance. “I’m genuinely convinced we should wait,” Sainz tells Mundo Deportivo. “Wait five or six races, see how the rules play out, see whether the races are enjoyable. Whether they’re better than last year, or worse. Whether there’s more racing, or less. And whether the drivers have more or less fun.” If the drivers’ complaints persist, the Spaniard promises: “Then I’ll be the first to say I’m not happy with what I see.”
‘Will then go to Domenicali with Max’
The Williams driver even pledges to take the matter straight to the top brass of F1 and the FIA. “If I notice that I don’t enjoy it, or it doesn’t motivate me, or if I see this F1 has too many negative aspects, then I’ll be the first to go, together with Max, to Stefano Domenicali or Mohammed Ben Sulayem of the FIA to talk,” Sainz says, referencing the earlier criticism from the Dutch driver.
“To tell them: ‘Hey, this isn’t working, you made a mistake, we don’t enjoy the car, something has to change, because this leads nowhere.’ I’ll be the first to do that, and if I have to do it alongside Max or George or whoever, I’ll do it,” the GPDA chair continues. “For now, though, I still believe it’s not the right moment and it’s inappropriate to pass judgment without having driven a single race.”
