Sainz slams energy limits
Carlos Sainz publicly criticised new energy‑use limits for forcing drivers to manage systems instead of racing — a direct complaint about 2026 rule fallout. (x.com) The wider debate over the rule changes has erupted into arguments that the new regs have produced artificial strategy and unclear racing, with major outlets calling for FIA clarity. (nytimes.com)
Carlos Sainz, who serves as a GPDA director, told reporters on Feb. 20, 2026 that the sport’s new energy rules must be met with an “open‑minded” approach and warned they could be “exaggerated” at some circuits. (grandprix.com) The 2026 power‑unit formula now targets a roughly 50:50 split between internal‑combustion and electrical power and raises battery output to about 350 kW — roughly three times the 2025 electrical capability — placing harvesting and deployment at the centre of lap‑to‑lap strategy. (f1i.com) The FIA passed a set of amendments to the 2026 regulations by unanimous e‑vote and published revised regulatory documents on Feb. 28, 2026 in an effort to clarify technical details for teams and suppliers. (fia.com) Race regulators intervened ahead of the season by imposing a cap on recoverable energy in qualifying to curb extreme harvest‑and‑deploy tactics, a change announced by the FIA and reported by Autosport on Mar. 5, 2026. (autosport.com) Top drivers have been vocal: Max Verstappen called the new cars “anti‑racing” and compared them to “Formula E on steroids,” while Fernando Alonso warned the rule changes risk reducing the influence of driver skill. (espn.com) Formula 1 leadership and teams have scheduled a formal review of the 2026 rules after the Chinese Grand Prix, with outlets reporting rule changes could be considered as early as round three if the hybrid regulations produce undesirable racing. (speedcafe.com)
