McLaren's Sainz: 'Give new aero rules a chance!'

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McLaren's Carlos Sainz says it's wrong to criticize Formula 1's new aero regulations without first putting them through the test.

In a bid to promote closer racing and help facilitate overtaking, F1 has ushered for this season a series of aero tweaks, but the changes haven't received much support so far.

Many teams doubt the new rules will have a positive impact on the racing as the theoretical performance loss due to the aero tweaks will be quickly recovered through ongoing development.

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Sainz believes people are wrong to judge prematurely and that everyone should wait until the season is well underway before jumping to conclusions.

"I think we need to accept them, or give them a chance, or at least test them, go two or three races with them, and see if it works or not," the Spaniard told Motorsport.com.

"But to criticise these new regulations without even putting the cars on track is a bit bad towards the people that have decided them.

"So let’s be patient, let’s give them a chance. I will be first one to say if I feel it’s been beneficial or if it has made it any worse, which could also be a good point."

While he's on the sidelines regarding the new regulations' impact on the spectacle, McLaren's new recruit is hoping for change.

"I hope it helps. We need to trust what Liberty or what Ross Brawn and his team have decided on where we’re going with these new regulations," added Sainz.

"Of course, it creates a bit of extra cost in the teams, but to say they are going to be for nothing before actually testing them wouldn’t be too good."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.