Carlos Sainz has delivered his honest verdict on the changes made to the Formula 1 regulations at the Miami Grand Prix.
The Miami GP saw the introduction of regulation changes designed to rectify the impact to the spectacle caused by superclipping and excessive closing speeds.
Perhaps the biggest impact of these changes was felt off-track, as although fundamental issues remain, drivers now appear united in their quest to better the regulations.
Issues remained in Miami, with qualifying still seeing cars de-accelerating on straights, energy management concerns not yet resolved.
Sainz, chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA), said that further changes were urgently needed, but praised the FIA’s efforts to date.
“I think for quali, there is still quite a way to go,” he said.
“I’m not going to criticise it anymore, I’m just going to try and be proactive to keep insisting that this is not good enough for F1. But it seems like at least the racing was a bit better.
“I’m happy with the steps they also took to bring the race forward, and I think the FIA this weekend, listening to the wet weather concerns with intermediate concerns, you cannot fault them.”
However, Sainz did allude to power unit manufacturers preventing any dramatic alterations for the regulations, but believes that improvements to the spectacle will continue to be introduced across the season.
Sainz added: “I think they’ve done a brilliant job, and now everyone seems to be working in the same direction. I think we just need to convince a few PU manufacturers that this is not the answer that F1 should have in quali, and we need to keep improving.”
Sainz’s update indicates unity from the drivers, a trait that was not forthcoming at the start of the season. It will likely prove crucial as further changes to the rules continue to be debated and implemented.
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