Sainz: F1 could learn from MotoGP to become more competitive

Carlos Sainz Jr. believes Formula 1 could learn from MotoGP’s approach to make the series more competitive in the future and allow for closer on-track action.

Sainz finished as the leading midfield driver for McLaren in Monaco last time out in sixth position, but was over 50 seconds off race winner Lewis Hamilton.

The gulf between the midfield and the top three teams of Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull is such that no other outfit has won a race since the start of the 2013 season, or even led a lap of a race since the 2015 British Grand Prix.

Speaking in Canada on Thursday, Sainz admitted it was disheartening at times to be limited in terms of results even when executing a perfect race.

“You see fellow drivers like Marcus [Ericsson, who switched to IndyCar for 2019] going to different series and immediately being on the pace, and potentially winning races or being on the podium - then you see yourself in Formula 1 and you’re stuck in P7…” Sainz said.

“it’s something I haven’t got bored of, as it’s only my fifth season, but you think about [Sergio] Perez, [Nico] Hulkenberg, they’ve been here for many races, and it’s something I struggle to feel is sustainable.

“It needs immediate change, and it needs immediate refining in Formula1  to change that trend. It’s not something that as racing drivers in the midfield are going to be waiting here forever just finishing P7 in every race.

“I think it’s definitely something that needs to be addressed and hopefully 2021 they will make it happen.”

With the F1 regulations set to be revised for the 2021 season, Sainz suggested the series could take some inspiration from MotoGP.

In 2016, a single-spec ECU was introduced to MotoGP to prevent manufacturers from finding big advantages over their rivals, while the concession system limits the amount of development for teams that are most successful, thus encouraging new manufacturers to enter the championship.
 
“ I know [CEO] Carmelo Ezpeleta in MotoGP very well, I’ve spoken to him many times about what he’s done and how the manufacturers reacted to them tightening the rules with the ECU, etc,” Sainz said.

“I think the main feedback is they were firstly sceptical obviously, but now they are more happy than ever as they are fighting against more people. It makes the brand stronger, as they’re fighting against more brands, so Honda and [Marc] Marquez are even more happy.

“It’s a very good example and it’s something that I would like to see in the future in Formula 1.

“I think Formula 1 is a different species, definitely, but I hope in the future we converse towards something a bit more driver-dependent and not machine-dependent.”