Williams driver Carlos Sainz has announced that he will no longer publicly criticise the controversial 2026 Formula 1 technical regulations — even though he still believes they are “not good enough”.
The Spanish racer, one of the most prominent voices questioning the newest ruleset, said recent tweaks introduced by the FIA ahead of the Miami Grand Prix showed progress, but did not fully address the core issues drivers have raised about the new era of Formula 1.
“Sainz isn’t going to criticise it anymore,” reports indicate, suggesting a shift from active public opposition to a more measured stance — not because he endorses the framework, but because the debate has reached a saturation point in the paddock.
The 2026 rules, which have already generated debate among drivers and commentators, focus on power unit energy harvesting and deployment, among other technical changes. While adjustments were made before Miami — mainly altering energy limits applicable in qualifying and races — many drivers feel that the regulations still hamper performance and raceability.
Sainz’s decision to step back from continued criticism reflects broader sentiment within the sport: teams, drivers, and officials are now awaiting further developments later in the season rather than repeating public disputes race after race.
As the 2026 campaign unfolds, stakeholders will be watching closely to see if the focus shifts more toward refining the rules collaboratively — or whether frustrations will resurface if performance and racing quality don’t improve.
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