Carlos Sainz Sparks Controversy with Bold Proposal to Revolutionize F1 Stewarding Rules!
In a daring move that could reshape the future of Formula 1, Carlos Sainz is rallying for a complete overhaul of the sport’s contentious stewarding system. The Ferrari driver, who has recently faced criticism following a five-place grid penalty in Mexico for colliding with Andrea Kimi Antonelli, believes that the introduction of former F1 drivers into the stewarding panel could be the key to resolving the ongoing disputes over racing rules.
Sainz’s frustration is palpable after narrowly escaping another penalty in Las Vegas, where he nearly collided with Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin during Q1. He has been vocal in expressing his dissatisfaction with the current stewards, igniting a firestorm of debate ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix.
As a prominent Director of the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA), Sainz is leveraging his platform to advocate for radical changes to racing regulations. He proposes that the insightful analyses conducted by F1 broadcasters should become the gold standard for incident reviews. “Every time I see the analysis that they do… I think they do a very good job of putting the blame where it belongs,” Sainz stated emphatically, referring to the expertise of analysts like Karun Chandhok, Jolyon Palmer, and Anthony Davidson.
In a striking vision for the future of the sport, Sainz declared, “My ideal is no guidelines and people who can judge these incidents as well as these three experts do after the races.” This is a bold claim that suggests a departure from the rigid structure currently governing racing incidents, which Sainz argues has created confusion rather than clarity.
The Spanish driver continues to press the issue, highlighting the critical need for a collaborative discussion among drivers and stewards. “There’s been quite a lot of division in opinion between drivers and FIA stewards,” he noted, urging for a calm and thorough review of recent incidents to forge a path toward a more unified understanding of racing dynamics.
He added, “We need to sit together, analyze quite a few of the incidents… and hopefully come up with a better solution for the future.” This plea resonates with many in the paddock who feel that the existing guidelines have stifled the essence of racing, leaving little room for what Sainz describes as “racing incidents.”
With a pointed critique of the guidelines, he remarked, “They’ve created more problems than solutions… there’s been barely any room for racing incidents this year.” His words underscore a growing frustration among drivers who feel shackled by a system that prioritizes strict rules over the spirit of competition.
As the excitement builds towards the Qatar Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz’s bold statements are sending shockwaves through the F1 community, prompting urgent calls for change. Will we see a new era of stewarding that embraces the dynamic and unpredictable nature of racing? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: Sainz’s call for action cannot be ignored. The future of Formula 1 stewarding hangs in the balance, and the stakes have never been higher!









