Carlos Sainz blasts F1’s 2026 rules after Spa simulations: 'How can we accept that?'

Carlos Sainz has fired a fresh salvo at Formula 1’s 2026 car rules, calling the current simulation results “unacceptable” after the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps on 28 July 2025.

The Ferrari driver’s blunt assessment comes as drivers and teams grapple with the new cars’ energy limits, which are draining power on Spa’s long straights and forcing big speed drops at the end of Blanchimont.

What happened?

Early 2026 simulations showed promise, but real-world running at Silverstone and Spa exposed major flaws. The circuits’ mix of medium-high-speed turns and extended straights leaves the cars starved for energy recovery, especially on long acceleration zones.

Sainz pointed to the MGU-K’s power loss at Blanchimont, where cars lose roughly 50 km/h simply from electrical drain. He contrasted Lando Norris’ 2024 pole lap with Kimi Antonelli’s 2026 run through Pouhon, noting the new cars are up to 40 km/h slower at the same point.

Why it matters for Carlos Sainz

The Spaniard admitted he worries about “belittling” his own sport, but still demanded changes. “I think no one out there is enjoying the qualifying lap as much as we did last year,” he said. “It’s clear we’ve lost quite a bit with these cars around Spa.”

Sainz’s frustration isn’t isolated. Lewis Hamilton echoed the concerns, calling the straights “not very nice” and admitting teams flagged the issues early.

What comes next?

Sainz expects a “sketchy” opening lap at Spa, with active aerodynamics on Kemmel Straight and close-quarters racing. He starts 14th alongside Norris, who was third-fastest in qualifying but faces a penalty.

The Spaniard urged caution and smart play, but made one thing clear: the rules must evolve. “Whoever saw those 2022-23 simulations and said, ‘How can we even accept that?’ needs to review what happened,” he said. “It should have never happened. But now we’re here, the sport is still growing, so time to move on.”

Sainz hopes next year brings a step forward, followed by another the year after. For now, though, the focus is on fixing the cars before they sap more speed-and more fun-from the races.