The controversy surrounding Formula 1’s proposed 2027 technical regulations continues to intensify, with Carlos Sainz becoming the latest high-profile driver to publicly criticise the possibility of delaying key engine rule changes by another year.
The debate centres on the proposed 60:40 power split between internal combustion and electric energy, a direction that had been expected to come into force from 2027 following indications earlier in May. However, growing speculation suggests the move could now be postponed until 2028, triggering frustration among several drivers.
Carlos Sainz joins the criticism
Max Verstappen has already made his dissatisfaction clear, but he is no longer alone. Carlos Sainz also publicly voiced his concerns during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, and his opinion carries additional weight given his role as one of the two directors of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), the body representing Formula 1 drivers.
Speaking in Montreal on Friday, the Williams driver argued that Formula 1 had a compelling opportunity to move in what he believes is the right technical direction, but warned that political manoeuvring and manufacturer self-interest were once again threatening progress: “There is a very interesting proposal for 2027, one that is perfectly aligned with the direction I believe this sport should be taking,” Carlos Sainz explained.
“But unfortunately, as always happens, politics and the individual interests of manufacturers get involved. They will oppose it and try to steer things according to what suits their own needs.”
Sainz calls on FIA and FOM to stand firm
Carlos Sainz went even further by directly calling on Formula 1’s governing bodies to resist that pressure.
According to the Spanish driver, the FIA and Formula One Management should take a firm position if they genuinely believe the proposed changes are in the best interests of the sport, even if that means pushing through a contentious decision against opposition.
“I’m asking the FIA and FOM to be uncompromising about what they believe is right for the sport,” Carlos Sainz said – “Even if a vote were required, they should remain firm in their convictions and trust what is best for Formula 1.”
He also made clear where he believes the drivers stand on the issue: “If you asked only the drivers, we would all support moving in that direction from 2027.”
The wider frustration with Formula 1’s electric dependency
Carlos Sainz’s comments also touched on a broader concern increasingly voiced by drivers regarding the current balance between combustion and electrical performance in Formula 1’s next-generation power units.
His argument was clear: electric power should remain an important performance enhancer, but not become something drivers feel excessively dependent on during racing: “The electric element should be an addition, not something we are dependent on as we are now,” Carlos Sainz argued.
Even the proposed 60:40 split, in his view, would still not fully satisfy what drivers would ideally want from Formula 1 power units: “Even 60:40 is never enough for drivers, but it could be something we race with while waiting for real racing and real engines to return in 2030,” he concluded.
The comments add fresh pressure to an already politically sensitive debate, with Formula 1 now facing another familiar conflict between technical philosophy, manufacturer strategy, and the preferences of those actually behind the wheel.
Leave a Reply