Sainz takes aim at Max and Lewis
Carlos Sainz has made it clear he does not agree with the wave of criticism aimed at Formula 1’s new technical regulations introduced this season. The Spanish Williams driver, who alongside George Russell also leads the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), addressed the issue during a public event organised by his sponsor, Estrella Galicia.
The former Ferrari driver indirectly – but quite clearly – responded to comments made during the Bahrain pre-season test by two world champions, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, both of whom had expressed concerns about the direction of the new regulatory cycle in F1.
You don’t need a degree
The British driver had criticised what he described as the excessive complexity of the new rules, suggesting that both drivers and fans would need “a degree” to fully understand the new energy management systems. Verstappen, on the other hand, questioned the increasingly electric nature of modern Formula 1, arguing that the championship risks becoming “Formula E on steroids”.
“Honestly, I don’t have a degree, I only finished high school, but with that I understand everything pretty well,” Sainz replied with sharp irony, hitting back at Hamilton’s remark. “The fact that you need to think a bit outside the box compared to the past in order to learn new overtaking strategies – to think about the car – has always come naturally to me. You have to stay mentally sharp even when you’re more tired, but I don’t think it’s as big [a problem] as we’ve been led to believe.”
Criticism in private, not in public
More broadly, Sainz made it clear that he believes publicly criticising the sport you compete in is the wrong approach. “I haven’t taken a firm position yet,” the Williams driver explained, “but I believe that, regardless of my personal opinion, it’s not very smart to shoot yourself in the foot.
I’m in favour of criticising those in charge in private and telling them whether I like something or not. Starting to criticise my sport in public doesn’t sit well with me, because it creates a vicious circle and then everyone – including journalists – starts criticising it too. I prefer to wait and make my assessment after four or five races.
I’ve asked the FIA to keep an open mind and, if we have got some of the engine calibrations wrong, to change them for the sake of the show. If that’s the case, I’ll go together with Max (Verstappen) or George (Russell) to the FIA president and to Stefano Domenicali to ask for whatever needs to be changed.”
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