Carlos Sainz Feels 'Excited Worry' Ahead of F1's 2026 Reset
Carlos Sainz expresses "excited worry" about adapting his driving style for F1's major 2026 regulation overhaul, a sentiment shared by his Williams teammate, Alex Albon.
Carlos Sainz is approaching Formula 1's massive 2026 regulation overhaul with a mix of excitement and anxiety, describing it as an 'excited worry.' The Spanish driver is already proactively analyzing his driving style in the simulator to adapt to the new, smaller, and more efficient cars, highlighting the significant challenge and opportunity the new rules present for all drivers on the grid.
Why it matters:
The 2026 regulations represent a fundamental reset for the entire grid, potentially shuffling the competitive order. A driver's ability to quickly adapt their style to the new 50/50 combustion and electric power units, which prioritize efficiency, could be the deciding factor between championship contention and a midfield struggle. Sainz's proactive approach underscores how critical this adaptation will be for career trajectories and team success in the new era.
The details:
- Sainz openly discussed his feelings on the Williams Team Torque podcast, stating, "I'm already thinking what parts of my driving style are going to suit next year's car. And what parts I think I'm going to need to work on."
- His teammate, Alex Albon, echoed this sentiment, pointing out that the "tension comes from the unknown" and that the new regulations add an "efficiency side of your driving" that will naturally favor some drivers over others.
- The 2026 cars will feature a significant technical shift: they will be smaller and lighter, with power coming from an even 50/50 split between the internal combustion engine and electric power.
- Sainz's move to Williams for 2025 positions him perfectly within a team that has been explicitly building towards this 2026 ruleset for a strong performance jump.
Looking Ahead:
The timing of Sainz's arrival at Williams could prove fortuitous. The team overperformed in 2024, finishing a surprising fifth in the Constructors' Championship, a result team principal James Vowles called a "dream come true." This momentum, combined with Sainz's proven race-winning ability and his forward-thinking approach to the new regulations, could make Williams a dark horse to watch when the new era dawns in 2026.