Sainz warns F1 of imminent 'big crash' without safety changes

Carlos Sainz has issued a stark warning that Formula 1 will see a major accident this season unless urgent action is taken to address safety concerns with the new car regulations, specifically regarding race starts and high-speed differentials. The Ferrari driver pointed to a near-miss at the Australian Grand Prix as evidence that the sport is "extremely lucky" a serious crash hasn't already occurred.

Why it matters:

Driver warnings about the inherent danger of a new technical era are a critical red flag. If the FIA and F1 do not proactively address these concerns, they risk a preventable, high-profile accident that could overshadow the new regulations and damage the sport's reputation for prioritizing safety. Sainz's comments, echoing similar concerns from Lando Norris, indicate a growing consensus among the grid's top drivers.

The details:

Sainz highlighted two primary safety issues emerging from the 2026 regulations:

• Race Start Procedure: The launch phase has become "very sketchy," with a near-collision in Melbourne between Franco Colapinto and a slow-moving Liam Lawson cited as a lucky escape. Sainz believes a "big crash" is inevitable if the procedure isn't improved.
• Straight-Line Speed Differentials: The 'Straight Mode' (SM), designed to boost top speed, creates dangerous closing speeds of 40-60 kph on straights. A following car, with its own SM activated and therefore minimal downforce, becomes unstable and difficult to control when approaching another car.

Between the lines:

Sainz anticipates resistance to changes from teams protective of their competitive advantage under the new rules, stating "not everyone will be aligned." However, he argues that F1's governing bodies have the power and responsibility to mandate safety fixes independent of team consensus, emphasizing they "shouldn't have to care too much" about performance interests when safety is at stake.

What's next:

The ball is now in the court of the FIA and F1. They must evaluate the data from the opening races and driver feedback to determine if immediate regulatory tweaks are warranted before Sainz's prediction comes true. The upcoming Chinese Grand Prix will serve as another data point, with all teams and drivers keenly aware of the potential risks.