Carlos Sainz sees a clear explanation for the changed power dynamics between Formula 1 drivers in 2026. According to the Williams driver, the new technical regulations have not only changed the cars but also influenced which drivers feel most comfortable behind the wheel. The Spaniard recalls how specific cars did or did not suit his personal driving style.
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“It is impressive to see how much the performance balance between teammates has changed,” said Sainz in an interview with Autosport. “Not only between Antonelli and Russell, but also between Hamilton and Leclerc, and with Verstappen no longer so dominant compared to Hadjar. I think it is a lesson for everyone. We have confirmed that when the fundamental concept of a car changes, the competitive landscape can also change.”
According to Sainz, it comes down to a car naturally suiting a driver well or less well. “It is something I have always believed: a car can suit you extremely well or not meet your ideal preferences at all, but sooner or later you have to adapt. It can take some time, but eventually you have to find a way.” He looked back on the previous regulatory cycle, the so-called ground effect era, which was introduced in 2022. “For four years I couldn’t apply my natural driving style,” he said about the ground effect cars. “I adapted and still achieved good results, but I remain convinced that the Carlos who drove those cars was not the same Carlos who drove the cars of 2021, 2020, or 2019.”
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‘Then you feel unbeatable’
Sainz won four Grands Prix with Ferrari between 2022 and 2024 but emphasized that during that period he could never fully rely on his own instincts. “I’m not saying I was slow with the ground effect cars and I had some good races with both Ferrari and Williams, but I always had to adapt. It didn’t feel natural and I think that was true for other drivers as well.” He compared his experiences to his first McLaren test in 2018. “I immediately felt that the car drove the way I wanted.”
According to the Spaniard, that experience partly explains why one driver sometimes suddenly makes a big leap when the regulations change. “I think I was at my best during my second year at McLaren,” he emphasized. Sainz also spoke about all the other cars he has ‘tasted’. “The Toro Rosso also felt very nice, the Renault a bit less,” he noted. “When I joined Ferrari in 2021, the car immediately felt great.” It would be the only season in which Sainz managed to beat his then teammate Charles Leclerc. “With the arrival of the ground effect cars, it became more difficult, but this year I have found the joy again. Ultimately, I don’t think a team can specifically tailor a car to your driving style. Sometimes you just get lucky, and when that happens, you feel unbeatable. You feel like it’s your car.”
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