Formula 1 News: Sainz Jr. urges ‘open-minded’ approach, F1 boss rejects plan B
(GMM) Carlos Sainz Jr. (pictured) has urged Formula 1’s bosses to remain “open-minded” as criticism of the new 2026 regulations continues to swirl through the paddock.
Drivers have repeatedly complained about the aggressive energy management required under the new power unit rules, with fans and even broadcasters struggling to follow what is happening on track.
Former Ferrari driver Ivan Capelli admitted on Sky Italia: “That’s true, even for us it’s currently very difficult to see what a driver is doing with these cars. But I trust the work Liberty Media is doing to clearly explain what’s happening on the track through graphic content.”
Behind the scenes, the FIA is apparently already exploring contingency options. According to reports, teams have been asked during the Bahrain test to trial reduced peak electric motor power to assess a potential fallback solution.
Sainz, speaking to DAZN, made clear he believes flexibility may be needed.
Editor’s Note: When you try to appease tree-huggers and come up with a Frankenstein car as a result, change is required to fix your mistakes.
“My message to FOM and the FIA is generally that we should remain somewhat open-minded at the beginning of the year in case the regulations we have drawn up regarding the recovery time we have to make in one lap are a bit excessive,” he said.
“Everything I’ve tried is very different and slower than it was last season. Overall, everything is a bit worse.
“We have a little more power for two or three seconds on the straight than last year, but then it cuts out quickly and we have to recover all that energy.
“All I ask is that they be open-minded. If the power-to-energy ratio isn’t ideal or suitable for some circuits, they should be flexible so we don’t have to do strange things on the straights.”
Former driver Ralf Schumacher, however, believes the criticism has gone too far.
“Basically, let’s not panic,” he said. “We’ve often seen that when new regulations are introduced, people judge too hastily.”
He warned that leading drivers risk harming the sport with overly negative comments, pointing out that the new rules were designed to attract manufacturers such as Audi, Honda and General Motors.
“We mustn’t forget why these rules were introduced,” Schumacher added. “This decision was definitely the right one.”
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali also dismissed talk of emergency changes.
“I’m sure we’ll see another incredible spectacle this year,” he said. “From a fan’s perspective, I see no difference. As always, the fastest driver will win in the end.”
Editor’s Note: This is complete bull$hit. The car with the best energy management engineers will win in the end because Domenicali and the FIA created Frankenstein cars to appease the environmental zealots who base their opinions on fake data.
Domenicali confirmed he has spoken directly to Max Verstappen following the Dutchman’s harsh “Formula E on steroids” criticism.
“We had a constructive conversation. Max is the future of Formula 1. That’s why it’s important that we listen to him,” he said.
But he ruled out drastic action.
“Before we start thinking about a Plan B, we should let the season begin. Whenever the rules change drastically, there are doubts. In the end, there are technical solutions for everything.”
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Speaking with Williams teammate Albon on the official Williams YouTube channel, the Spaniard discussed how the 2026 regulations will impact the gap between the field. In 2025, half a second separated first to last, but he has doubts that will be the case this season.
“I remember back in 2019, there were very big gaps between teams,” he said. “My feeling is, at least at the beginning of this year, the gaps are going to be big. Maybe not as big as back then, a bit smaller, but still bigger.
“Last year in Q1, there were 20 cars in half a second. I really doubt the fact that in Australia, race one, there’s going to be 20 cars in half a second.”
Albon added: “I think there will be two cars between half a second.” Sainz then said: “I think if we are all within 3 seconds…” before Albon cut him off: “And I don’t think that that’s going to happen.”
“You don’t think that we’re…” said the Spaniard, before Albon replied: “I don’t think from top to bottom it will be 3 seconds.”
Sainz then continued: “And we were within half. So that proves to you what a new regulation also does in a negative way, because for us, as drivers, to be honest, Abu Dhabi or the last few races of last year was fun knowing that we all were within a couple of tenths of each other.”