Sainz criticizes F1 rules: Asks for more freedom and analysis from former drivers in decisions

The Formula 1 driver, Carlos Sainz, has expressed his opinion on the controversial race guidelines in the category, suggesting a change in the way stewards’ decisions are made.

Sainz advocates for a more flexible approach in race decisions

Sainz believes that Formula 1 could benefit from an approach more similar to that used by some former drivers, currently working as analysts on television, in their analysis of race incidents. These guidelines, agreed upon by the drivers and the FIA at last year’s Qatar Grand Prix, have generated controversy due to the strict application of the rules in various situations. Sainz himself was the subject of one of these decisions at the Dutch Grand Prix, although his team managed to have the penalty reviewed and the penalty points canceled. Another notable example was the controversial penalty for Oscar Piastri after an incident with Andrea Kimi Antonelli at the Brazilian Grand Prix, a decision that could have a significant impact on this year’s championship. Sainz believes that more freedom could be given to the stewards, who, according to him, with their experience, could make more accurate decisions in race incidents. On the eve of this year’s Qatar Grand Prix, where the FIA will review the race guidelines with the drivers, Sainz mentioned analysts Karun Chandhok, Anthony Davidson and Jolyon Palmer as examples of former drivers capable of reaching correct conclusions without the need for strict guidelines.

My ideal future is without guidelines and with people who are able to judge these types of incidents as well as these three people I just mentioned do after the races.

Carlos Sainz

Sainz, director of the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA), considers that the current race guidelines, which are largely based on the position of the overtaking car with respect to the car defending the position, are not applicable to all situations. “In my personal opinion, I think there is room for improvement,” he stated. “The guidelines have generated more problems than solutions in many of the incidents we have seen this year.”

Sainz also pointed out that this year there has been little room for racing incidents, with decisions that have leaned towards black or white, without allowing racing incidents to be judged as such due to the guidelines. “It has been a somewhat failed implementation of those guidelines,” he concluded.