Carlos Sainz believes that the Formula 1 regulation changes for 2026 arrived at the perfect moment for Lewis Hamilton. According to the Spaniard, the previous generation of ground-effect cars never fully favored the seven-time champion’s driving style, which helps explain his recent progress at Ferrari.
In an interview with MARCA after the Barcelona Grand Prix, Sainz stated that performance in F1 largely depends on the compatibility between the driver and the car. To illustrate the point, he recalled the difficulties he faced in 2022 before reaching a higher level in the following seasons.
“The sport has no secret. All of us operate at an extremely high level, and the differences come down to the driving characteristics. There are cars that suit you and others that don’t. The driver’s job is to adapt and know how to drive any Formula 1 car. In 2022, that happened to me. It was a car I didn’t like at all, but I adapted, and by 2023 and 2024 I was performing at a very high level. That’s what defines your career.”
In the Williams driver’s view, Hamilton faced a similar situation. Sainz emphasized that remaining for years with a car that does not adapt to the driver’s style can limit performance, while equipment more aligned with the driver can completely transform his image.
“You go to a team with a car you don’t like and stay there for three years without adapting, or without the car adapting to you. You end up looking one-dimensional. Then you move to a team with a car that fits your style and you look like a god. It’s a sport far more complicated than people imagine, and Lewis deserves credit for turning the game around. The regulation change was his stroke of luck. If he were still driving last year’s car, we wouldn’t be seeing this version of Hamilton.”
Hamilton, who replaced Sainz at Ferrari, recently earned his first podium and his first victory for the Italian outfit. The Spaniard, meanwhile, is enjoying a challenging season at Williams due to the lack of competitiveness of the car.
