Carlos Sainz issues fierce F1 warning over 'big crash'

Carlos Sainz has warned F1 it will see a large crash if it stands still over safety concerns with the new regulations.

The season-opening Australian Grand Prix last week saw Franco Colapinto forced to take avoiding action as he came across a slow-moving Liam Lawson as they launched off the start line.

Lando Norris has already voiced his fear of seeing a major crash due to the car's behaviour.

It's a viewpoint Sainz shares as he called on the FIA to take action in order to prevent injury.

“There are two main points about safety this year,” Sainz told media including RacingNews365.

“One is the starts and the situation that you saw already from testing, you saw them again in Melbourne. 

“In Melbourne, we were extremely lucky that nothing happened with Liam and Franco. My feeling is that there is going to be one of those big crashes if nothing changes for the start at some point this year.

“Fingers crossed that we take action in time to improve them and it never happens. 

“But if we stay without doing anything, my feeling is that at one point or another, we will see one of those situations.”

Drivers have also raised concerns over the speed differentials at the end of long straights and the lack of downforce in battle when the 'straight mode' (SM) is activated.

Weighing in on the situation, Sainz added: “The second point for me is, in general, overtaking with 'SM mode' on the straight and the closing speeds of 40, 50, 60 kph. 

“With no downforce in the car from the SM, it gets very sketchy. It gets very sketchy at the start, it gets very sketchy when you're fighting another car.”

Sainz expects resistance from F1 teams

However, with a pecking order established, some teams may be resistant to changes in order to preserve their competitive position.

But Sainz insisted F1 should be able to push through any changes it deems necessary in the interest of safety.

“I think not everyone will be aligned, but they shouldn't be,” Sainz said. 

“In the end, that's the problem - when you talk to the teams, you will always have performance interests. 

“Even if they're not, F1 should have enough power to [not] have to depend [on it], which I think the regulations allow. 

“They don't have to depend on the teams that have an interest on one thing or the other. 

“We believe that if the formula is not correct, people can complain and say it's not in favour of the way it suits the car or whatever. 

“But F1 shouldn't have to care too much about that, and should be able to do what's best for the sport.”