“I think the sport can be a lot closer, a lot more fun” – Carlos Sainz has spoken of the need for F1 being more about the drivers than the cars and hopes the 2022 regulations will usher in a positive change in that direction.
Over the last 7 seasons, something unprecedented has happened in Formula 1. One team – Mercedes in this case – has won all the titles on offer, both Constructor and Driver. And Carlos Sainz, who has made his dream move to Mercedes’ bitter rivals Ferrari from McLaren, hopes this will change soon. He was talking to Motorsport.com about the potential impact of the F1 2022 regulations, which is expected to level the playing field in the sport.
“What I wish is that Formula 1 in the future has a closer grid, in order to allow the driver to create more of a difference.”
“As you arrive in F1, you very quickly realize it’s very difficult to beat any guy who has a car that is three tenths quicker than you, because you as a driver, you’re fighting for the last two tenths with your team-mate. That’s been the case with all my team-mates, you’re just two tenths up or two tenths down. But then when someone out qualifies you by 1.5 seconds, then you know that you are not really competing with him.”
“I wish that we can close the group up together. I think FOM, Liberty, and the FIA have done a very good job with the 2022 regulations, and they’ve given that a chance.”
Drivers > Cars for Carlos Sainz
The Spaniard, who had an impressive season with McLaren, hopes to make more impact this decade. But instead of the car playing a big role, he rightfully wants the drivers to make the difference.
F1 has a huge following across the globe, but the last few years have been quite a patience test for them. Here’s hoping the upcoming decade will see multiple champion teams, unlike the current one, which witnessed just two teams at the top – Red Bull and Mercedes.
“So hopefully that happens, and the sport becomes a bit more human dependent in terms of driving, and less machinery dependent. I think the sport can be a lot closer, a lot more fun. That will create a greater audience, and I think it will be better for everyone.”
