Carlos Sainz warns of F1 driver exodus if regulations don't change

Formula 1

Sainz warns of F1 driver exodus if regulations don't change

They aren't going to wait forever.

Martin Macdonald

Sunday 16 June 2019 09:00

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Carlos Sainz believes that Formula 1 organisers will face a problem of midfield drivers perhaps looking to other motorsport disciplines for racing if the current regulations are not changed, so that the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull don’t continue to dominate.

The Spaniard is currently ‘best of the rest’ in the F1 standings in seventh place, with all the drivers of the aforementioned teams making up the top six comfortably.

For 2021, there are proposals in place which will aim to level the playing field in the sport, such as the standardisation of engine parts and the more even distribution of finances to the teams.

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Sainz thinks such changes need to come quickly, or talented drivers will simply walk away if they continue to not be competitive due to their inferior cars.

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“You see fellow drivers like Marcus [Ericsson] going to different series and immediately being on the pace and potentially winning races or being on the podium,” said the McLaren driver.

“Then you see yourself in Formula 1 and you’re stuck in P7… it’s something I haven’t got bored of as it’s only my fifth season but you think about Perez, [Nico] Hulkenberg, they’ve been here for many races and it’s something I struggle to feel is sustainable.

“It needs immediate change and it needs immediate refining in Formula 1 to change that trend.

“It’s not something that as racing drivers in the midfield we are going to be waiting here forever just finishing P7 in every race.

“I think it’s definitely something that needs to be addressed and hopefully 2021 they will make it happen.”

Sainz believes that F1 can look at MotoGP for inspiration as to how to implement the proposed new regulations.

“I know very well [Dorna Sports CEO] Carmelo Ezpeleta in MotoGP, I’ve spoken to him many times about what he’s done and how the manufacturers reacted to them tightening the rules with ECU (Engine Control Unit), etc,” he revealed.

“It’s a very good example and it’s something that I would like to see in the future in Formula 1.

“But I think Formula 1 is a different specie definitely, but I hope in the future we converse towards something a bit more driver dependent and not machine dependent.”