N※N

Carlos Sainz Presents F1 With Radical Change To Create More Excitement

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. th-radical-change-to-create-more-excitement.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 13:10 GMT by Sports Illustrated

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-11-03 224 x 224 / 15027 Bytes

2025-11-03 179 x 224 / 14637 Bytes

2025-11-03 190 x 224 / 10247 Bytes

2025-11-03 194 x 224 / 7218 Bytes

The Pitch

Sainz’s core argument is simple: the glamour that once defined Formula 1 has been eroded by repetitive race outcomes, expensive team structures, and a weekend format that has not evolved in decades. He proposes a package of changes that touches every aspect of the sport:

1. Re‑engineered Race Weekend
   – Longer, more flexible practice: The current 3‑hour Friday practice would be split into two sessions, allowing teams to test different setups and giving fans a clearer sense of the cars’ performance.
   – Revamped qualifying: Instead of the single‑lap shootout, Sainz suggests a “knock‑out” format where drivers are eliminated in successive rounds. The idea is to keep spectators on edge and reduce the predictability of grid positions.
   – Two‑lap sprint race: A 50‑km sprint on Saturday would determine a portion of the points and give teams a second chance to recover from a poor start. The sprint would be run under a different safety‑car protocol to make the start more consequential.

2. Points Redistribution
   Sainz believes the current points system rewards finishing positions too heavily. He proposes a new scale that gives a bigger boost to drivers who finish on the podium, a 15‑point bonus for the fastest lap, and a points penalty for any driver who fails to finish the race. The idea is to keep the championship standings closer and to encourage more overtaking.

3. Reduced Grid Size
   By limiting the grid to 12 cars (rather than the current 20), the race would become less chaotic, allowing drivers to focus on racing rather than navigating traffic. Sainz argues that a smaller grid would also lower the cost of entry for privateer teams, potentially attracting new talent.

4. Fan‑Centric Tech
   Leveraging Formula 1’s growing partnership with esports, Sainz outlined a plan for a “live‑watch” platform where fans can view the race from the perspective of a driver, with real‑time telemetry and the ability to vote on certain race‑day options (e.g., whether to trigger a safety‑car).

Why It Matters

The sport’s governing body, the FIA, has been under pressure to rejuvenate Formula 1, especially after the controversial 2020‑21 season that saw a record low number of cars and a championship decided by a single race in Abu Dhabi. In addition, the new 2026 regulations—focused on lighter, more fuel‑efficient cars, and a renewed emphasis on sustainability—are expected to bring a different type of racing that some critics say will feel slower and less engaging.

Sainz’s proposals directly address the core concerns that fans and stakeholders have expressed. By shortening the race weekend and adding more competitive elements, he hopes to make the schedule less “filler” and more “action.” The points changes aim to keep the championship battles tight, while the reduced grid size could reduce operational costs and improve on‑track overtaking.

The driver himself is no stranger to the sport’s evolution. Having raced for teams as diverse as McLaren, Renault, and Ferrari, Sainz has seen firsthand the effects of changes in regulations and team structures. He has also become a vocal advocate for driver development, frequently engaging with the younger generation on Instagram Live and Twitter, where he shares training insights and discusses the importance of keeping the sport accessible.

Reactions

Sainz’s ideas have already begun to resonate. During the post‑interview press conference, several team principals asked probing questions about the feasibility of a 12‑car grid and the potential financial implications of shortening the weekend. A senior FIA executive, speaking under the condition of anonymity, noted that the body is always open to “constructive proposals” that could help the sport grow.

On the social‑media front, Sainz’s video was shared more than 120 000 times in the first 48 hours, and a dedicated hashtag #F1Reboot trended on Twitter during the opening week of the 2024 season. Fans expressed enthusiasm for the possibility of more drama and clearer competition, while some cautioned that the current changes already promise to bring excitement.

In the broader context, the suggestion that a 12‑car grid could be similar to what the lower‑tier Formula 2 and Formula 3 series have adopted, many fans and analysts saw it as a logical step toward making F1 a more competitive and cost‑effective arena. Moreover, the emphasis on fan interaction mirrors the sport’s recent foray into esports, as seen in the Formula 1 esports championship that has already attracted over a million participants worldwide.

The Bigger Picture

Sainz’s vision comes at a pivotal moment. The 2026 rulebook will usher in lighter cars, more advanced aerodynamics, and a renewed focus on sustainability—all of which could either revive the sport’s reputation for speed or make it feel more mechanical. With this change, the FIA is actively looking for ways to keep Formula 1 relevant to a younger audience that has more entertainment options than ever.

Whether Sainz’s blueprint will gain traction remains to be seen. His proposals will need to be tested in a controlled environment—perhaps as a trial during a single event or in a lower‑tier series—before they can be applied to the pinnacle of motorsport. Nevertheless, his willingness to speak out and offer concrete solutions signals a shift in the conversation: drivers are now not only athletes but also potential stewards of the sport’s evolution.

In the end, Carlos Sainz’s call for radical change underscores a growing sentiment that Formula 1 must adapt or risk stagnation. If his ideas resonate with the right stakeholders, they could spark a new era in which the sport is leaner, more competitive, and, crucially, more exciting for fans around the world.