Carlos Sainz has called on the FIA and Formula One Management to stay flexible with the 2026 power unit rules, warning that excessive energy management could affect racing quality. Speaking during pre-season testing in Bahrain, the Williams driver highlighted challenges at tracks like Melbourne. He emphasized the need for potential adjustments to ensure the sport's spectacle remains intact.
Carlos Sainz, serving as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers Association, expressed concerns about Formula 1's 2026 regulations during pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. The new power units feature a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, with battery output increased to 350kW from 120kW in 2025. This shift places energy harvesting and deployment at the core of race strategy, leading drivers to lift and coast more aggressively, as observed in testing.
Sainz noted that Bahrain's heavy braking zones aid energy recharge, but the season opener at Albert Park in Melbourne poses greater difficulties. "Melbourne is going to be more challenging for sure, but I cannot tell you by how much because I haven't been in the simulator with what we're going to find in Melbourne," he told reporters.
He urged the FIA and Formula One Management to monitor the impact closely. "My message to FOM and the FIA is that at the start of the year, we need to stay open-minded in case the regulations we've come up with are maybe too exaggerated on the amount of harvesting and deployment we do on a lap," Sainz said. He added that while some circuits like Bahrain might manage adequately—though not perfectly—others such as Melbourne and Jeddah could prove more demanding.
Acknowledging the challenges of the overhaul, Sainz explained, "I think we might need to adjust the regulations a bit, and fair play, it is not easy because it is such a big change, because I don't think anyone knew how to predict how much downforce and drag the car was going to have, and what level of deployment teams would come up with."
His plea is for flexibility: "My only ask would be to stay open in case we need to fine-tune or adjust to make the category and the show even better. That is my only message. I think we should start flexible, rather than be committed to a certain level of energy management."
Max Verstappen has similarly criticized the rules as "anti-racing" and akin to "Formula E on steroids." Additional engine-related issues include a compression ratio debate involving Mercedes and safety adjustments for race starts, such as an extra blue light warning. Any major changes would require approval from the F1 Commission and World Motor Sport Council, with engines set for homologation on March 1.
During testing, Sainz completed 66 laps in the Williams FW48, posting a best time of 1:35.252, 1.5 seconds behind leader Charles Leclerc. He described the car as reliable but tricky, with the team focusing on mileage recovery and setup improvements under varying conditions.
