Carlos Sainz Proposes Radical New Method

Carlos Sainz has proposed a radical change to Formula One, suggesting a new category that would determine the 'real' F1 champion. This new category would see drivers separated from their teams, with each driver racing two races with each car.

What is the proposal?

The idea is to have a category where drivers are not part of a team, but rather an F1 customer, hired to take the cars. Sainz explained his idea to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, saying: "I've always thought of a category where you do 20 races and each driver runs two races with each car."

How would it work?

Each driver would have the same chance of winning the World Championship, with the drivers' world championship and constructors' championship being separate. The teams themselves would pick up points from whichever drivers happen to be in their cars that weekend.

Why is this important?

This proposal would favor drivers currently in lower-ranked teams, giving them a chance to compete with top drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Sainz knows his plan is just fantasy, adding: “This will never happen, of course." But the concept is exciting, and it would be interesting to see how it would play out. Carlos Sainz also credited Ferrari for Lewis Hamilton's resurgence, saying that it's not just about Hamilton's talent, but also about the team and regulation changes. Hamilton took Sainz's seat at Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season, and has since looked back to his best, currently sitting second in the Drivers' Championship standings. Sainz picked up two podium finishes last year, despite having a far inferior car, and has been impressive in his performances. The 2026 season has seen Hamilton reclaim his spot atop the podium at the recent Barcelona Grand Prix. Sainz reiterated his belief that it's just as much about Ferrari and the regulation changes as it is about Hamilton and his talent.