Carlos Sainz has voiced his disappointment over the looming 2026 Formula 1 rules reset, lamenting that the sport’s newfound competitiveness could be undone. After a historic 2024 season that saw seven drivers and four teams clinch victories, Sainz believes the current era of F1 has finally reached a harmonious balance—one that’s now at risk of being disrupted.
F1’s Golden Age of Competition
The 2024 season will be remembered as one of the most thrilling in F1 history. Not only did seven different drivers win multiple races, but Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes all stood on the top step of the podium during the final five races. The convergence of team performance has leveled the playing field, allowing driver skill to shine more prominently than ever.
Speaking at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Sainz expressed his frustration:
“I think Formula 1 is in a good space right now. The driver makes more of a difference, and the Constructors’ Championship feels more balanced. It’s not just about the budget anymore—it’s about the people and the infrastructure. It’s a shame this reset is coming in 2026 when we’re finally achieving a level playing field.”
2026 Rule Changes: A Game-Changer or a Setback?
The upcoming 2026 regulations aim to revolutionize the sport. Key changes include:
- Smaller, lighter cars with narrower dimensions.
- Movable aerodynamics at the front and rear for increased overtaking opportunities.
- A power unit overhaul, featuring greater reliance on electrification.
While the intent is to push F1 into a more sustainable future, history suggests that sweeping rule changes often disrupt competitive balance. Sainz noted how previous cycles dramatically shifted the hierarchy:
- In 2014, Mercedes dominated the hybrid era, winning eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships.
- Red Bull capitalized on the 2022 rules, breaking records with two back-to-back doubles while Mercedes struggled to adapt.
“Look at what happened in 2014 and 2022,” Sainz said. “Teams got it very right or very wrong. It takes years to claw back from those missteps.”
A Competitive Landscape at Risk
With the performance gap between teams narrowing significantly, 2025 is poised to be one of the closest seasons in F1 history. Teams like McLaren and Ferrari have risen to challenge the perennial dominance of Red Bull and Mercedes, creating a spectacle that fans and drivers alike are relishing. Sainz believes the sport’s current state is worth preserving:
“For once, it feels like Formula 1 is truly fair. We can see who the best team is and who the best driver is without massive disparities. To reset this in 2026—it’s a pity.”
Can F1 Rebuild Quickly After the Reset?
The fear is that 2026 will create another lopsided era, with one team leaping ahead while others struggle to catch up. However, Sainz remains optimistic that if the field can converge after Verstappen’s dominant 2023 season, it can do so again post-2026.
“Even if 2026 blows things wide open, hopefully, we’ll find a way to tighten up the competition quickly,” Sainz concluded. “The last thing F1 needs is to lose the momentum we’ve built.”