Sainz: F1 needs positive hype around 2021 rules

While Carlos Sainz accepts racing in Formula 1 needs desperate improvements he feels positive points like having the fastest-ever cars in the sport’s history are being ignored and wants ‘positive hype’ to be found in the 2021 rule changes.

This year F1 is undergoing a key rule tweaks, primarily simplifying and restricting design on the front wing and front brake ducts to reduce the aerodynamic wake the cars produce, while a larger rear wing and DRS flap is hoped to improve overtaking chances and racing overall.

Sainz accepts the 2019 rule tweaks were mainly triggered by a handful of poor races seen last year under the previous regulations but is eager to see both positive changes and mentality created around the wider rule changes set for introduction in 2021.

“This is a change in reaction a bit to what we saw last year in Australia, the first race. I think the racing is still not good enough, I think we need to keep working towards 2021 on a better show, better spectacle for the fans and drivers and also start creating a hype,” Sainz said. “Right now there’s a bit of a negative hype regarding the racing, the cars, but people tend to forget that last year’s cars were fastest ever in F1. And no one talked about that.

“I get a bit nervous because everyone talks about 2004, how cool were those cars, but no one talks about 2018 and Lewis Hamilton’s pole positions being the fastest ever F1 laps in history.

“There’s some positives from this year’s cars and we just need to make sure the racing is better. With that I’m really sure the fans will appreciate that the most.”

Sainz also accepts nobody can make certain claims 2019’s F1 rule alterations will make important differences until the cars are both tested on track and in racing situations.

“Until I test it on track it’s going to be impossible for me to tell but I welcome the change because it’s a change trying to make the racing better,” he said.

“If it’s a change to make racing better and it has been planned well by Liberty and the FIA and it’s proved in simulations to be better, I think as a Formula 1 fan and driver, I welcome that. We need to be careful, we need to test it first but I welcome it.”