Carlos Sainz warns of potential 'big crash' risk under 2026 F1 regulations

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz has issued a stark warning that Formula 1's 2026 technical regulations, specifically the new 'Straight Mode' (SM) active aerodynamics, could lead to a "big crash" at high speeds. He joins a growing chorus of drivers, including Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, who have criticized the new cars as a step backward in drivability and safety.

Why it matters:

The vocal opposition from multiple top drivers highlights a significant rift between the sport's rulemakers and its competitors regarding the fundamental direction of the 2026 cars. If the cars are perceived as unpredictable or unsafe at high speeds, it could undermine the credibility of the new regulations before they even hit the track and force a costly re-evaluation by the FIA.

The details:

• The 2026 rules replace the Drag Reduction System (DRS) with a 'Straight Mode' (SM), where both front and rear wings open to reduce drag on designated straights.
• Unlike DRS, SM can be activated without being within one second of a car ahead and is applied in multiple zones, including some with slight curves or kinks.
• Sainz's primary concern is the drastic loss of downforce when the wings are open, making cars unstable at speeds over 340 km/h on circuits that aren't perfectly straight.
  • He specifically named the Jeddah and Melbourne circuits as dangerous examples where high-speed kinks could become extremely hazardous with SM active.
• Other drivers have echoed similar criticisms. After the Chinese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen labeled the 2026 concept "painful" and claimed it was "not racing," while Lando Norris called the projected cars "probably the worst" compared to today's machinery.

What's next:

The sustained criticism from the driver corps is likely to increase pressure on the FIA and F1 to review certain aspects of the 2026 regulations, particularly the application of Straight Mode zones. While a full-scale overhaul is unlikely, adjustments to zone placement or activation logic could be negotiated before the rules are finalized and teams lock in their designs.