Carlos Sainz has shared his mix of excitement and tension as Formula 1 prepares for major regulation changes in 2026.
Next year, F1 will introduce smaller, lighter cars powered by a 50/50 split between internal combustion and electric power, requiring drivers to adapt both their style and approach.
Speaking on the Williams Team Torque podcast with teammate Alex Albon, Sainz described his feelings:
“Yes, but I am also… I don’t know what the word is. Excited tension. Excited worry. But obviously, I have no doubt that I will adapt and I will find a way.
“I’m already thinking about which parts of my driving style will suit next year’s car, and which areas I’ll need to work on. Whenever I drive the simulator, I’m already thinking ahead: where I’ll be strong, and where I’ll be weak. It’s exciting, but there’s also a certain tension.”
Albon agreed, highlighting the uncertainty drivers face:
“A lot of that tension comes from the unknown. It’s not a normal year. There’s more than just the driving side—there’s the efficiency aspect too. For some drivers, the new regulations will naturally suit them better than others. It’s going to be interesting to see.”
Sainz joined Williams ahead of the 2025 season, after being replaced at Ferrari by seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. While the team focused on building for a performance jump in 2026, Sainz still delivered two podium finishes in Azerbaijan and Qatar, the first under the leadership of James Vowles.
With Sainz scoring 64 points and Albon 73 points, Williams finished fifth in the Constructors’ Championship—a result Vowles described as a “dream come true.”
“Finally, fifth would have been a dream come true just 12 months ago, when we were languishing ninth in the constructors’ championship. Thank you very much,” Vowles said after the Qatar Grand Prix.
