Carlos Sainz does not agree with Lewis Hamilton that the new Formula 1 rules are far too complicated. The seven-time world champion labeled the 2026 regulations as ‘ridiculously complex’ after his first test kilometers in Bahrain. According to Sainz, the new rules simply require a bit more creativity in overtaking strategies: ‘I don’t think the problem is that big’.
Read more Van der Garde, Coronel and Dubbelman new columnists FORMULE 1 Magazine
The new Formula 1 season hasn’t even started yet, but the brand-new cars are already a popular topic of conversation in the paddock. Max Verstappen was not pleased with the new cars during the test days in Bahrain – the Dutchman even labeled them ‘Formula E on steroids’ – while Charles Leclerc also lacked driving pleasure in the SF-26. According to his teammate Lewis Hamilton, the rules were also far too difficult to understand. “You almost need a degree to understand it all,” the world champion even stated.
Carlos Sainz, however, does not agree with his Ferrari successor on the latter. “I don’t have a degree. I only finished high school, but I understand everything well too,” the Spaniard tells the media. “The fact that you have to be a bit more creative with new overtaking strategies compared to before has always been obvious to me. I don’t think the problem is as big as they have made us believe.”
Read more Van der Garde, Coronel and Dubbelman new columnists FORMULE 1 Magazine
The chairman of the drivers’ union then explains why he prefers to discuss any potential problems privately with those responsible instead of publicly criticizing the sport. “I am in favor of criticizing those responsible in private and telling them what I do or don’t like. I prefer not to start criticizing my sport publicly, because that creates a vicious circle and then everyone, even journalists, starts criticizing. I prefer to wait and see and only judge after four or five races.”
Flexibility
Sainz previously called on his fellow drivers to give the new rules a chance. He also asks the FIA and FOM for ‘flexibility’. “In general, I think my message to FOM and FIA is that we need to remain a bit open to adjustments regarding the regulations around energy management at the start of the year. That is my only message. I think we need to remain flexible instead of sticking to a certain level of energy management.”
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View the 2026 F1 calendar here
