Carlos Sainz raises next major F1 issue to solve after engine rule changes

Carlos Sainz wants F1 and FIA bosses to look at addressing the "DRS train" style racing created by the new active aero wings in 2026.

With the traditional DRS function stopping at the end of 2025, for 2026, as part of the active aero regulations, both the front and rear wings now open when in the dedicated zones on track to shed drag and boost top speed.

However, in a crucial difference to DRS, every driver on every lap can access the system and does not have to be one second behind the car in front to do so. 

The system was designed to compensate for the higher drag levels of the heavier cars, owing to the bigger batteries, but, with cars essentially in DRS-style racing, the formation of 'DRS trains' was prevalent in Miami. 

It is something Sainz feels series chiefs must take a look at next after the changes were announced that for 2027, the 50-50 split between the ICE and batteries for power output would be tweaked to increase reliance on the ICE.

"I think we just need to find a solution to when the car in front is in [straight] mode, as overtaking is impossible," Sainz explained to media, including RacingNews365.

"It is very similar to the DRS train, and maybe we could find something, but the racing has never really been the problem of these regulations.

"For qualifying, there is still a long way to go, but I am not going to criticise it anymore and just try to be productive, to keep insisting that this is not good enough for F1. 

"The FIA [in Miami] listened to the wet weather concerns about the intermediate tyres, and I was happy with the steps they took to bring the race forward.

"You cannot fault them, they've done a brilliant job, and now everyone seems to be working in the same direction."