P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Carlos Sainz, who also serves as a GPDA director believes the FIA, and F1, both must remain “open-minded.”
Carlos Sainz has urged the FIA and Formula 1 to consider potential changes to the new energy management rules in grand prix racing and to remain “open-minded” about it. The power units for 2026 now have a 50-50 split in power output between internal combustion engines and batteries, with increased power to 350kw, up from 120kw in 2025. Energy management is crucial, especially with the lift and coast demands revealed during pre-season testing, leading to criticism from drivers like Max Verstappen. Different circuits, like Bahrain and Australia’s season-opener at Albert Park, present varying challenges in terms of energy harvesting and deployment, prompting calls for potential adjustments to the regulations as needed. Sainz emphasized the importance of flexibility and openness to fine-tune the energy demands for a better overall spectacle in Formula 1.
