Williams driver Carlos Sainz has reiterated concerns over Formula 1's 2026 regulations after the Shanghai Grand Prix, praising energy management at the Chinese track but calling for changes at high-speed circuits like Monza and Spa to improve racing.
Building on his pre-season warnings about excessive energy harvesting—echoed by Max Verstappen's 'Formula E on steroids' critique—Carlos Sainz voiced fresh doubts following round two in Shanghai. "In a track like China they're not that bad because we are very energy-rich and harvesting-rich," Sainz said. "But I'm 100% sure this is not F1 the way I want to see it."
He highlighted issues at tracks like Melbourne, Monza, and Spa, stating the regulations 'definitely needs a rethink.' Sainz hopes for prompt adjustments: "I'm really hoping that there's going to be changes soon, because it's not the best formula. I have in my mind the ideal Formula 1, and this one is very far from it."
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu advised patience, suggesting five races are needed for proper evaluation: "You've got to see several different circuits and then decide." No changes are planned before the Japanese Grand Prix. The calendar has seen Jeddah and Bahrain cancelled, with the Canadian Grand Prix scheduled for 22-24 May.
