Carlos Sainz Proposes Bold Change to F1 Championship Structure

Carlos Sainz is facing challenges in the 2026 season with Williams, yet his creativity remains vibrant. In a recent conversation with the Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, he shared what he described as “a slightly crazy idea, which I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned in the press,” before hesitating, “No, I don’t know if I can say it.” However, he proceeded to outline a thought-provoking concept.

Sainz envisions a Formula 1 where drivers and manufacturers operate independently, a scenario he concedes is unlikely to materialize. His proposal involves a 20-race schedule in which each driver would compete for two races with each team. This approach would mean drivers are not tied to the fortunes of a single team throughout the entire season, allowing them to share in both the successes and struggles with all competitors on the grid.

This new format could redefine the role of a Formula 1 driver. Sainz explained, “Then the driver is part of F1, not part of a team, he’s a client that Formula 1 hires to drive the cars.” He believes that the equipment could change, but the talent would remain constant. He added, “Then I’d have my chance to do two races with Williams, two with Mercedes, two with Ferrari… All the drivers would have exactly the same opportunity to win the World Championship.” The essence of this idea is to have a title determined by driver skill rather than team performance.

Despite its intriguing nature, Sainz himself recognizes the improbability of such a shift given the entrenched identities of teams within the sport and the complex commercial structures in place. Additionally, convincing top drivers to race for lesser teams is a significant hurdle. For instance, while it might create captivating television to see Max Verstappen in a Sauber for two races, it would likely provoke fierce opposition from Red Bull’s legal team.

Having raced for renowned teams like Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, and Williams, Sainz has firsthand experience of the current competitive landscape, understanding the implications of being with the wrong team during a regulatory shift. His proposal, while ambitious, reflects a candid acknowledgment of the challenges within Formula 1, where performance is often dictated by the car as much as by the driver's skill.