Carlos Sainz is taking a measured but clear-eyed view of Formula 1’s current direction. While the changes introduced in Miami helped ease some of the issues that had frustrated drivers and teams, the Williams driver believes the road toward a qualifying format truly worthy of Formula 1 is still far from complete. And although his tone is less confrontational than in previous weeks, his message remains unmistakable: F1 has not solved the problem yet.
The changes are not enough: qualifying remains the key issue
The new measures were introduced in response to growing frustration from teams and drivers, who had become increasingly unhappy with seeing cars slow dramatically on straights and conserve energy through high-speed corners, turning Formula 1’s purest performance session into an exercise in management rather than outright speed.
However, Miami was not exactly the ideal test case. The circuit is less sensitive to the energy-related limitations that had heavily impacted previous race weekends, making it difficult to judge whether the changes truly addressed the underlying issue. Carlos Sainz acknowledged this, but made it clear he is not satisfied.
“There is still a long way to go for qualifying,” the Williams driver said.
The Spanish driver avoided escalating the criticism, instead choosing what he described as a more “proactive” approach. Even so, he stressed that what Formula 1 has seen so far is not enough to bring the category back to the level it should represent.
The race itself, however, offered some encouraging signs. Carlos Sainz praised the FIA’s efforts, particularly regarding the handling of wet-weather conditions and intermediate tyres—an area that had caused confusion, frustration, and tension during the opening rounds of the season.
A more united paddock, but the next challenge is political
After weeks of tension behind the scenes, Miami appeared to deliver a more united paddock atmosphere. Carlos Sainz pointed this out with clear satisfaction.
“Now it seems like everyone is rowing in the same direction.”
That shift in atmosphere matters, but in Carlos Sainz’s view, it is still not enough. According to the Spaniard, the biggest obstacle is no longer the FIA itself, but rather the resistance from certain power unit manufacturers who remain convinced that the current technical direction is the correct one.
This is where Carlos Sainz sees the next major battle: convincing engine manufacturers that qualifying cannot remain in its current state. His message is subtle but firm—Formula 1 must rediscover its essence, and achieving that will require a collective effort. Not just regulatory changes, not just FIA intervention, but a shared vision that puts pure performance back at the centre of the sport.
Carlos Sainz may not be raising his voice, but his position is unmistakable. The recent adjustments represent progress, not a final solution. Formula 1 needs qualifying sessions that once again reward outright speed rather than energy management; courage rather than conservation; attack rather than calculation. And to make that happen, everyone—FIA, teams, and engine manufacturers—must move in the same direction. The one Carlos Sainz is pointing toward with calm determination.
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