Carlos Sainz has for now accepted that not much can be improved in the current 2026 regulations. The Spaniard is one of the main critics of the current F1 rules, but does not think many regulatory changes can still be made this season. Therefore, he places his hopes on 2027: ‘I want to urge the FIA and FOM to especially push through the proposed 2027 rule changes’.
Read more Mekies counts on breakthrough in rule dispute: ‘In the end, everyone chooses the sport’
Carlos Sainz was – along with Max Verstappen among others – one of the loudest critics of the 2026 regulations. The Spaniard – also chairman of the drivers’ union the GPDA – called early for change, but now seems to have thrown in the towel. “On my part, I have decided to just stop complaining, because it is clear that this year is not ideal and will never be ideal,” Sainz said after his ninth place finish in Canada. “But I have a lot of hope for next year and how much can change.”
Even with the introduction of rule changes last April, the revised rules still leave much to be desired, the Spaniard states. “There is room and margin to improve this engine and these rules with what is proposed for next year. I don’t think we can do much more about it this year.”
Read more Ferrari intervention pays off: Hamilton praises collaboration with new race engineer
The fight is not over yet
Nevertheless, Sainz has not yet given up the fight for regulatory changes for the next season. Earlier, the FIA announced that a principle agreement has been reached on abandoning the fifty-fifty split of the power unit for 2027. “I think I wanted to urge the FIA and the FOM to push this through and continue to commit to it,” said Sainz. Engine manufacturers Audi and Ferrari are against the plan to adjust the engine regulations already for 2027.
“Because I am sure that if they (the FIA and FOM, ed.) say ‘this is how it has to be’, there will be no other choice but to do it,” Sainz continues. “Of course, everyone has to agree, but at the same time, if it is in the interest of the sport and the show, I am a strong supporter of the drivers taking a very strong approach and attitude on this.”
Read more Stella warns FIA: ‘Proposed rule changes go beyond safety’
Read everything about the Monaco GP here
