Sainz's clear message to F1 chiefs: ‘Stay open-minded on rules'

Carlos Sainz has urged FIA and Formula One Management to keep an “open mind” over Formula 1’s sweeping new regulations, warning the sport must be ready to react if the on-track spectacle begins to suffer.

The 2026 rules mark one of the most dramatic power unit overhauls in decades, with a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power. Battery output has surged to 350kW, nearly tripling from previous figures, placing energy harvesting and deployment at the centre of race strategy.

The result? Drivers lifting and coasting more aggressively than ever in pre-season testing as part of their energy management tactics – a trend that has already sparked debate across the paddock.

Melbourne Under the Microscope

While Bahrain’s heavy braking zones help recharge the system, the season opener at Albert Park presents a very different challenge. With only one major braking point and long flat-out sections – particularly between Turns 6 and 13 – energy management could dominate the narrative.

Sainz, who also serves as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers Association, believes the sport must be prepared to respond if necessary.

“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,” Sainz told reporters in Bahrain.

The concern is clear: if drivers are forced into excessive harvesting and conservative deployment, the racing could tip from strategic to sterile.

“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.”

Fine-tuning the Future

While Sainz stopped short of outright criticism, the Williams driver’s message was measured – but unmistakably pointed.

“At some circuits, it will be okay, like potentially here in Bahrain, even though I still think here is not fully okay with what we're seeing so far, but tracks like Melbourne and potentially Jeddah will be more energy-demanding,” he said.

“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.

• Read also: Red Bull best at deployment but Mercedes closing the gap - Russell

“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.”

It is not a rebellion – not yet. But it is a warning from a senior voice in the paddock. With energy management set to define lap time, strategy and even wheel-to-wheel combat, Formula 1 stands at a delicate crossroads.

The 2026 regulations promise innovation and efficiency. Sainz’s plea is simple: ensure they also preserve racing. Because in a sport built on speed and spectacle, flexibility may prove just as important as horsepower.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook