Carlos Sainz: They are trying to do their best to sell what we all know is not right for Formula 1

Two races into the new era, criticism is building, with drivers including Max Verstappen and Lando Norris already questioning the racing product and the impact of energy management.

Sainz believes those concerns are not only valid but also understood at the very top of the sport. Speaking to reporters in Shanghai, he explained: “In a track like China they are not that bad, because we are very energy rich and harvesting rich, which means the engines do not behave very differently from last year, but not as different as they did in Melbourne.”

He pointed to circuits where the issue becomes more visible: “I think in Melbourne, Monza, Spa, it definitely needs a rethink.”

Sainz made clear the problem goes beyond individual tracks: “I am also 100 percent sure this is not Formula 1 the way I want to see it. And I am also quite sure that the people at the top also see that and know that.”

The Spaniard then delivered his strongest criticism: “When you look at what they are doing with graphics and everything, they are trying to do their best to sell something that I think we all know is not the right formula for Formula 1.”

Sainz called for urgent changes: “So, I am really hoping that there are going to be changes soon, because it is not the best formula. But as long as everyone is aware, I think it is ok for everyone to not get it completely right at the start of a season, and then make adjustments to ensure it gets better.”

He also pointed to reliability concerns after multiple non-starters in China, including both McLarens, teammate Alex Albon, and the Audi of Gabriel Bortoleto.

The implications of these failures go beyond mere inconveniences; they highlight a worrying trend in Formula 1, where the pursuit of technological advancement may be compromising the very essence of racing.

Sainz reflected: “The absence of the two McLarens, a Williams and an Audi on the grid shows how we have made our own lives difficult by creating extremely complex engines with highly sophisticated software and extensive use of batteries."

The divide within Formula 1 is growing, and pressure on the sport’s rulemakers is building as the 2026 era unfolds. More and more are admitting that FOM and FIA have dropped the ball massively with this set of rules, destined to be with us until 2030. (Reporting by Agnes Carlier)