Carlos Sainz Rejects 2026 Regulations as ‘Not Good Enough’ for Formula 1 Following Qualifying Frustrations in Japan

Carlos Sainz calls for a total rethink of F1’s 2026 power unit rules, claiming the current formula punishes drivers for pushing hard through corners.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 28, 2026, 11:26 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PlanetF1

The Paradox of Modern Qualifying

The 2026 Formula 1 regulations have faced a wave of criticism from the grid's most experienced drivers, with Carlos Sainz the latest to brand the current formula as "not good enough." The Spaniard highlighted a fundamental flaw in the energy management system during qualifying at Suzuka: the harder a driver pushes through the corners, the slower their overall lap becomes. This paradox exists because aggressive cornering consumes battery energy that is then unavailable for the straights. According to Sainz, this "push to go slower" dynamic trivializes the skill of the driver and undermines the competitive spirit of the sport.

Technical Data Behind the Suzuka Struggle

Sainz pointed to his specific performance in the second qualifying session (Q2) as evidence of the regulation's failings. Despite improving his pace through every corner on the track, he ended the lap one-tenth of a second slower than his previous attempt. The shortfall occurred because his higher cornering speeds required more time at full throttle, which depleted his battery and led to "superclipping" on the straights. In clean air and without a slipstream, the car's top speed plummeted as the 350kW electrical deployment failed to sustain itself, illustrating a clear disconnect between aerodynamic performance and power unit efficiency.

Safety Concerns Over 350kW Deployment

Beyond the impact on the racing spectacle, Sainz raised significant safety concerns regarding the massive 350kW electrical boost currently mandated alongside the internal combustion engine. He argued that such a high level of instantaneous power might be "too much" for certain circuits, particularly in wet or low-grip conditions. The Ferrari driver suggested that a more conservative and consistent deployment would be preferable to the current "all-or-nothing" surge. By flattening the power delivery, the FIA could allow for a more "normal" driving experience that does not rely on artificial energy-saving techniques.