Lando Norris
McLaren
Mercedes
Red Bull
Ferrari
Williams
Racing Bulls
Aston Martin
Haas
Alpine
Carlos Sainz believes ‘all’ the Formula 1 drivers share the same opinion on the 2026 regulations.
The major shake-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season was the introduction of the new regulations that saw the cars drastically change from how they looked in 2025.
Under the surface there have also been changes to the power units, the engines are now 50% ICE and 50% electric, a major change from the 80% and 20% in 2025.
Aerodynamically, the cars have also changed, with the Drag Reduction System being replaced by Active Aero, which can operate at the front and rear of the car.
During the pre-season tests at Barcelona and Bahrain, there were mixed opinions on the latest regulations, with some drivers being more vocal than others.
Have the 2026 regulations made F1 worse, with Max Verstappen likening driving the new cars to Formula E?
Carlos Sainz states the new regulations ‘have a lot to prove’
In an interview with El Laguero, Carlos Sainz discussed the new regulations and how the Formula 1 drivers still need to be ‘convinced’.
The Spaniard did not get to test the latest generation of Formula 1 cars until the Bahrain test, as Williams missed the Barcelona shakedown.
However, after spending six days at the Bahrain test, Sainz could confidently state that all of the drivers share an opinion and ‘agree’ about the new regulations.
Sainz said, “I think we all agree that, for the moment, this category or these new regulations still have a lot to prove to convince us drivers that it’s the right way or the right direction for Formula 1.
“I think we’re all relatively sceptical at the moment, but if things have to change, I think they have to be changed from within, and we shouldn’t be too critical of our own sport, which in the end is what we enjoy the most and is our job.”
Where do YOU think Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon are going to finish in the 2026 drivers’ championship!
Carlos Sainz is confident that Williams can make improvements
Despite their slow start and drop off in performance over testing, Sainz remains confident that Williams will make up ground during the year.
The Spaniard secured two podiums for Williams during his first year with the team in 2025, but he knows they will begin 2026 in the midfield.
When asked where Williams will stand in the pecking order in 2026, Sainz said, “We’re not ahead of the midfield positions. That doesn’t mean we won’t be there or that we can’t be there at some point in the season.”
However, there have been reports that Williams will give their FW48 a ‘makeover’ before the opening Grand Prix of the season in Melbourne.
Receive exclusive F1 news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
