Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Carlos Sainz believes the introduction of active aerodynamics in Formula 1’s new technical regulations is merely a “plaster” covering deeper problems with the current power unit deployment system. The Williams driver raised his concerns following the season-opening Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park.
The race in Melbourne generated widespread debate among drivers regarding the behaviour of the new-generation cars. In addition to Sainz, competitors such as Franco Colapinto, Pierre Gasly, and Lando Norris also voiced concerns about the safety and handling characteristics under the latest Formula 1 regulations.
Sainz specifically pointed to the use of Straight Mode (SM), particularly around the controversial fourth activation zone at Albert Park. According to the Spaniard, the combination of slipstream and SM made the cars extremely difficult to control, a view also echoed by George Russell, who serves as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association and races for Mercedes.
“The biggest worry for me about the racing is lap one,” Sainz told RacingNews365.
“It felt really sketchy with everyone using SM on the back straight. It felt dangerous and very difficult to control the car in the slipstream and with SM.”
He explained that the challenge becomes more significant when two cars are fighting for position through sections of the circuit that include slight cornering rather than pure straights. Around the sweeping section between Turns 7 and 8 at Albert Park, both cars using SM simultaneously created instability.
“I think SM is a plaster on top of the engine to protect against the deployment issues we have,” Sainz said.
“Lap one and overtaking right now don’t feel very safe with SM open.”
The issue was discussed during a drivers’ briefing with the FIA on Friday evening in Melbourne. The governing body initially considered removing the activation zone between Turns 8 and 9, but the decision was later reversed after teams raised concerns that the late change would significantly complicate their race preparation and strategy.
For Sainz, however, the underlying problem lies in the broader power unit concept introduced under the new regulations. He argued that active aerodynamics and Straight Mode are temporary solutions designed to compensate for limitations in the current energy deployment system.
“In my opinion, we shouldn’t need active aero for racing,” he said.
“The issue isn’t SM itself. We need it. Without it, we couldn’t even race with the deployment we currently have. But it’s a plaster on top of an engine formula that, for me, doesn’t seem to work very well right now.”
The debate over the competitive and safety implications of Formula 1’s latest regulations is expected to continue following the opening race in Melbourne. With the 2026 season only just underway, discussions between drivers, teams, and the FIA could influence future adjustments to the sport’s technical framework.
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Analisis Sportrik Media: kritik Max Verstappen dan Lando Norris terhadap regulasi F1 2026 muncul setelah GP Australia, namun era baru ini masih dalam fase adaptasi teknis.
Carlos Sainz mengkritik regulasi F1 2026 setelah GP Australia, menyebut aero aktif hanya “plester” untuk masalah deployment unit tenaga.
George Russell mendapat dukungan untuk bersinar di F1 2026, namun Eddie Irvine menilai Max Verstappen tetap pilihan utama bagi tim mana pun.
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