Sainz says F1 qualifying still far from fixed

Carlos Sainz says Formula 1 is still "quite a way" from solving its 2026 qualifying problems, warning that the current situation remains "not good enough for F1" despite the FIA's pre-Miami rule tweaks.

Speaking ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, the Williams driver said the changes had helped move the championship in the right direction, but not enough to address the core issue. "For quali, there is still quite a way to go," Sainz said. "I'm not going to criticise it anymore. I'm just going to try to be proactive to keep insisting that this is not good enough for F1."

The FIA introduced a number of adjustments before Miami after growing frustration from teams, drivers and fans over the way qualifying had been unfolding early in the season. Drivers had been slowing on straights, downshifting and saving energy through high-speed corners instead of attacking laps flat-out, a pattern that drew increasing criticism.

Miami, though, was never likely to provide a definitive verdict on the changes. The circuit was seen as a more energy-rich layout than the tracks visited earlier in the season, so it offered only a partial test of whether the tweaks had really solved the problem. Even so, the paddock mood was that the series had at least taken a step forward.

Sainz shared that view on the race product more than qualifying. "It seems like at least the racing was a bit better," he said. He also praised the FIA's handling of the wider weekend, including the decision to bring the race forward and its response to concerns over wet weather and intermediate tires. "I'm happy with the steps they also took to bring the race forward," he said. "The FIA this weekend, listening to the wet weather concerns with intermediate concerns, you cannot fault them."

That marked a notable change in tone from earlier rounds, when drivers had been increasingly at odds with the FIA over the new regulations and the quality of the racing. Sainz said the atmosphere now felt more constructive, with the main stakeholders more closely aligned on the need for further changes.

"I think they've done a brilliant job, and now everyone seems to be working in the same direction," Sainz said. But he made clear that the biggest obstacle has not disappeared. "I think we just need to convince a few PU manufacturers that this is not the answer that F1 should have in quali, and we need to keep improving."

For Sainz, that leaves Formula 1 in a better place than it was before Miami, but still short of a qualifying format and driving style that reflects what the series should look like.