Carlos Sainz is waving the white flag in Formula 1’s ongoing rules debate, but not because he suddenly believes everything is perfect. Far from it.
After spending months sounding the alarm on Grand Prix racing’s new-era regulations, the Williams driver has come to a reluctant conclusion: the current package is what it is, and further meaningful changes are unlikely before next season.
So while he remains convinced there is room for improvement, he has decided there is little point fighting a battle that, for now, has already been settled.
Speaking after the Canadian Grand Prix, where he finished ninth, the Spaniard admitted the revised regulations still leave plenty to be desired.
“It’s still a bit too much in my opinion,” Sainz told reporters.
“There is scope and there is margin to improve this engine and these regulations with what is being proposed for next year. I think for this year, I don’t think we can do much more.
“From my side I have decided to just stop complaining because it’s clear that this year is not ideal and is never going to be ideal. But I’m very hopeful for next year and how much it can change.”
The fight isn't over – just postponed
Sainz has been one of the most outspoken critics of Formula 1’s power-unit regulations, raising concerns long before the current season unfolded.
Although adjustments were introduced in Miami in an effort to address some of the concerns voiced by drivers and teams, the four-time Grand Prix winner clearly believes more can still be done.
Yet rather than continuing a public campaign, Sainz is now looking toward the sport's decision-makers and the political process that governs Formula 1.
©Williams
He remains convinced that governing bodies should not be afraid to push through reforms when they believe the health of the sport demands it.
“There is a Commission where you can vote and the teams can vote, I guess that’s where I was saying to the FIA and FOM to push it through and stay committed to it,” he said.
“Because I’m sure if they say ‘it should be like that’, I’m pretty sure things that we are maybe not fully aligned with them, there will be no other choice but to do it.
“Obviously everyone has to agree but at the same time, if it’s for the good of the sport and the show, I’m a big fan of the rulers taking a very strong approach and stance on it.”
The comments underline Sainz's long-held belief that Formula 1's leadership should sometimes prioritize the bigger picture over political wrangling between competing interests.
The real problem? The engine, not the cars
Importantly, Sainz was keen to draw a distinction between different elements of the current regulations.
While criticism of the power units has been widespread among drivers, he insists the chassis and aerodynamic changes deserve far more credit than they often receive.
In fact, he says the cars themselves are moving in the right direction.
“I think all the drivers have been very vocal that the chassis and the aero is not the problem here,” the Spaniard explained.
“I think we are all quite happy with the step the cars have done towards feeling a bit lighter, feeling a bit more narrow and not as long. A bit more agile.
“They still have pretty decent downforce, so we are enjoying to drive them. I think we just need a good power unit.”
Read also: Williams responds to driver exit fears amid 2026 strugglesFor Sainz, the blueprint is not fundamentally broken. The cars feel sharper, more responsive and more enjoyable to drive. The issue, in his eyes, lies under the bodywork.
So while the Williams driver may be done complaining publicly, don't mistake his silence for satisfaction. His criticism has merely evolved into patience – and his hope is that the next round of changes finally delivers the power-unit package Formula 1's drivers have been asking for.
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