Carlos Sainz has expressed his disappointment at the next reset of Formula 1 rules in 2026, lamenting that the sport’s new competitiveness could be compromised. After a historic 2024 season that saw seven drivers and four teams achieve victories, Sainz believes that the current era of F1 has finally achieved a harmonious balance—one that is now under threat.
The golden age of F1 competition
The 2024 season will be remembered as one of the most thrilling in F1 history. Not only have seven different drivers won multiple races, but Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes have all stood on the top step of the podium in the last five races. The convergence of team performances has leveled the playing field, allowing driver skills to shine brighter than ever.
During his speech at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Sainz expressed his frustration:
“I think Formula 1 is in good momentum at the moment. The driver has more impact, and the Manufacturers’ Championship seems more balanced. It’s no longer just about budget—it’s about people and infrastructure. It’s a shame that this reset is coming in 2026 as we finally reach a level playing field.”
Rule changes in 2026: a game changer or a setback?
The upcoming regulations from 2026 aim to revolutionize the sport. Key changes include:
- Smaller, lighter cars with reduced dimensions.
- Mobile aerodynamics at the front and rear to increase overtaking opportunities.
- A review of the power unit, highlighting greater dependence on electrification.
Although the intention is to push F1 towards a more sustainable future, history suggests that sweeping rule changes often disrupt the competitive balance. Sainz highlighted how previous cycles have dramatically altered the hierarchy:
-- In 2014, Mercedes dominated the hybrid era, winning eight consecutive constructors’ championships.
- Red Bull took advantage of the 2022 rules, setting records with two consecutive one-two finishes while Mercedes struggled to adapt.
“Look at what happened in 2014 and 2022,” Sainz said. “The teams managed very well or very poorly. It takes years to recover from these mistakes.”
A competitive landscape in danger
With the performance gap between teams narrowing significantly, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the closest seasons in F1 history. Teams like McLaren and Ferrari have emerged to challenge the perpetual dominance of Red Bull and Mercedes, creating a spectacle that fans and drivers enjoy. Sainz believes the current state of the sport is worth preserving:
“For once it feels like Formula 1 is really fair. We can see who is the best team and who is the best driver without massive disparities. To reset this in 2026—it’s a shame.”
Can F1 rebuild quickly after reset?
The fear is that 2026 will create another lopsided era, with one team pulling ahead while others struggle to catch up. However, Sainz remains optimistic that if the field can come together after Verstappen’s dominant season in 2023, they can do so again after 2026.
“Even if 2026 opens things up, let’s hope we find a way to tighten the competition quickly,” Sainz concluded. “The last thing F1 needs is to lose the momentum we have built.”
