Sainz and Vettel reaction to recent F1 regulation changes

As the Formula 1 paddock prepares for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, the sport’s governing body has unveiled a series of adjustments to the 2026 technical regulations. These modifications, finalized following extensive consultations between the FIA, teams, drivers, and key stakeholders, are designed to address mounting concerns regarding vehicle safety and driveability.

Addressing driveability and safety

Furthermore, the FIA has adjusted the parameters for qualifying sessions. The maximum permitted energy recharge has been reduced from 8MJ to 7MJ, a strategic shift intended to curb excessive harvesting. Collectively, these changes are aimed at enabling drivers to maintain a more consistent, flat-out pace—a challenge that has proven difficult throughout the current season.

A measured response from the grid

Williams driver Carlos Sainz has expressed satisfaction with the FIA’s proactive approach, though he remains pragmatic about the long-term evolution of the rules.

“I think the changes that the FIA and F1 and the teams have come up with to try and improve the racing, to try and improve the safety, to try and improve the qualifying,” Sainz noted in comments reported by DAZN Espana. “I think I always said from the beginning that we need to remain open-minded because it’s such a big change in regulation that for sure we were not going to get everything right at the beginning.”

Sainz emphasized that the current adjustments are likely just the beginning of a necessary iterative process. “I’m happy to see some proactivity and changes going on that will probably have an effect, and probably there will be other things that we need to change in the future,” he added. “I’m happy it’s taken action, and I cannot wait to see what effect it has on the raceability of the car and pushing the car to the limit in qualifying and see how it goes.”

Preserving the DNA of the sport

The conversation surrounding the 2026 regulations has also drawn input from four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel. While acknowledging the potential for the new machinery to be enjoyable to drive, Vettel expressed caution regarding the impact on wheel-to-wheel competition.

“From the sporting side, I hear and I echo the criticism because the cars are probably fun to drive, but not so much fun to race because of the regulations and the difficulties that come with that,” Vettel told Swedish outlet SVT.

Vettel stressed the importance of maintaining the fundamental essence of the sport. “I’m very critical not to lose the DNA and the heart of the sport, which is finding the fastest driver in the fastest machine to win the race,” he said. “I hope from a sporting point of view that what they are trying to address makes the drivers happier. Ultimately, the drivers are the face of the sport, they come out of the car and full of adrenaline and very excited. It’s what makes people in the stands excited as well.”