Carlos Sainz appeals to FOM and FIA to handle Formula 1 engine rules with open mind

Williams driver Carlos Sainz, who also serves as president of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, admitted he remains uncertain ahead of the opening round in Melbourne.

Speaking to GRANDPRIX247 among other media representatives, Sainz said: “Melbourne will probably be a lot more challenging, but I wouldn’t dare say how much more challenging. I haven’t yet been in a simulator that accurately reflects the situation.”

His concern centres on how the new energy management demands will translate from controlled testing conditions to the realities of a race weekend.

Sainz directed a clear message to the sport’s leadership, urging flexibility if unintended consequences appear: “But my appeal to FOM and FIA: we’re at the start of a new year, so we need to approach it with an open mind. Just in case the regulations are perhaps too exaggerated when it comes to managing energy over a lap.”

The Spaniard pointed to circuit variation as a potential flashpoint: “That will probably be okay at some circuits, like Bahrain for example. From what we’ve seen so far, it’s not even optimal there, but circuits like Melbourne and Jeddah are becoming even more demanding in terms of energy. We might have to adjust the regulations a bit for that.”

Revisiting regulations so early would not be straightforward, given the scale of the overhaul. Sainz explained: “That’s not easy, because it’s such a big change. I don’t think anyone could have predicted what the downforce and drag levels would be, and what levels teams would have in terms of energy application.”

Sainz closed with a firm request to Formula 1's governing bodies: “So I’d like to ask, above all, whether we can remain open to this, should it be necessary to fine-tune or adjust things to make this racing series even better. That’s my only message. We need to remain flexible, rather than clinging to a specific level of energy management.”

With Melbourne approaching, Formula 1’s new era is already facing scrutiny before a wheel has turned in anger. Sainz will make his 230th Grand Prix start at the 2026 Formula 1 season-opening Australian Grand Prix next month. (Reporting by Agnes Carlier)