{"id":1881783,"date":"2026-04-13T13:53:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T10:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1881783"},"modified":"2026-04-13T13:53:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T10:53:00","slug":"how-f1s-regulation-change-highlights-the-gap-between-the-haves-and-the-have-nots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1881783","title":{"rendered":"How F1&#8217;s regulation change highlights the gap between the haves and the have-nots"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/2268868295.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>How F1&#8217;s regulation change highlights the gap between the haves and the have-nots<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>The Formula 1 order has largely remained stable across the regulation change, despite some teams spending significantly more development time on 2026 than others.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Sam Hall <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-13T14:53:00+01:00\">13 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/2268868295.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/2268868295.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/2268868295.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/2268868295.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/2268868295.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/2268868295.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/2268868295.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/2268868295.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/2268868295.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>The start of the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p><strong>Sainz: F1 reg change highlights capability gap between midfield and top teams (Jap Thurs transcript)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Carlos Sainz believes the 2026 Formula 1 regulations have highlighted the magnitude of the gap between the top teams and those in the midfield, despite rules designed to close the pack.<\/p>\n<p>Ahead of the 2021 season, F1 introduced regulations limiting the aerodynamic development and CFD time each team could use, with this decided on a sliding scale based on recent success, with those at the front granted less time than those towards the back.<\/p>\n<p>Last year, this meant that most teams in the midfield or lower, elected to shelve their 2025 machinery at the earliest moment, to maximise the opportunity of 2026.<\/p>\n<p>However, other than Red Bull slipping into the midfield, the top order has remained largely unchanged, something that Sainz claims shows the different levels within F1.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI think not only us, but every team that is not the top four teams this year has realised how far the midfield teams are from the top teams,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou need a regulation change to realise the process of how far you are from the top teams&#8217; organisation, and the processes that they have. Because the fact that a top team last year with less wind tunnel hours, with less time, with more development in 2025 investing in development, was able to produce cars a second quicker than any of the midfield cars, for me, it just shows that if you want to jump from the midfield to being a top team, the jump is much bigger than anyone could expect.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-ba4a2ec4ec532e5d6ae92dee81626192e2cdb2109445caef25c99bb6ec3b26c0\">  The biggest winners and losers from F1\u2019s surprise five-week break   Williams poach ex-Mercedes technical figure to aid F1 recovery <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIf you asked me last year at this time of the year, we\u2019re going to have more wind tunnel hours, we\u2019re going to have more time to develop, we\u2019re not going to invest in our \u201825 car, we\u2019re just going to prepare for \u201826, you\u2019d think we were going to be close to the top teams.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut the reality is the opposite. You are further away. This new regulation, if anything, it has shown all the midfield teams that we have a lot of work to do if we want to match the top teams.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Asked if he is already feeling the benefit of additional testing time compared to the likes of Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari, Sainz added: \u201cNo, not on that.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-753ef8351b7deaf9059582e1f356880652013cea0cc88b993767e70827ab8a3c\">  One of F1&#8217;s disappointing starters with &#8220;potential&#8221; urged to make &#8220;big step&#8221;   Why crucial F1 rules decisions won\u2019t be made in this week\u2019s meeting <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI think aero-wise, our car is a bit of a different concept to the top guys. We want to for sure have a look at what the top teams are doing. Last year, we saw, with no change of regulations, that our team is capable of producing good downforce.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur car last year had some serious downforce. That\u2019s why in Qatar last year, we were able to get a podium.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe car needed to be good around Qatar to produce a podium on merit. I\u2019m pretty sure, as soon as we find the right way on the development side, the team will be able to deliver good load.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think it\u2019s just for the start of the season, between the weight and the load, we haven\u2019t got things right. But I\u2019m hopeful that once we find the right way, we are able to start adding improvements.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">F1<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Williams<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Carlos Sainz Jr<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> F1 responds to government Indian GP \u201c100%\u201d return claim<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_629261_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_629261_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_629261_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_629261_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_629261_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_629261_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_629261_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_629261_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_629261_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Toto Wolff reveals he &#8220;fired&#8221; Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg before dramatic Mercedes F1 U-turn<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_808773_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_808773_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_808773_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_808773_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_808773_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_808773_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_808773_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_808773_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_808773_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-37003ae5dbd77e77ea7d902e541354f4596e7b6a2b3c47324ebd7830f4db0b81\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Sam Hall<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Sam joined Crash.net in February 2026 with extensive experience in motorsport media, having covered numerous championships around the world.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-5992fe00f5f896f63ac2ea4365ef6d2ffe9f2d61a94a30dc31e2230a1377085c\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Possible fix suggested to combat \u201cawkward\u201d F1 defending<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775056098\"> 01\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404701_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Albon finished 20th and last in Japan \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Lewis Hamilton: F1 drivers \u201chave no voting rights\u201d as FIA \u201conly listening to teams\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774780503\"> 29\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404689_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, 2026 Japanese GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Why drivers fear post-Japan crunch FIA meetings on F1 rule changes won&#8217;t work<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774691568\"> 28\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403959_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"2026 Japanese GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Williams&#8217; F1 woes deepen in Japan after Alex Albon&#8217;s &#8216;must be me&#8217; radio outburst<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774688809\"> 28\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403997_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Albon, Williams, Japan, F1, 2026\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>One driver &#8220;could already smell in December&#8221; Williams&#8217; 2026 F1 &#8220;bump&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774522853\"> 26\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1401047_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Carlos Sainz, Williams Racing, 2026 Chinese GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>How the F1 2026 midfield battle is shaping up after two rounds <\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774263176\"> 23\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/2266585144-412.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Haas has emerged from the winter as the midfield leader \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>The Formula 1 order has largely remained stable across the regulation change, despite some teams spending significantly more development time on 2026 than others.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p><strong>Sainz: F1 reg change highlights capability gap between midfield and top teams (Jap Thurs transcript)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Carlos Sainz believes the 2026 Formula 1 regulations have highlighted the magnitude of the gap between the top teams and those in the midfield, despite rules designed to close the pack.<\/p>\n<p>Ahead of the 2021 season, F1 introduced regulations limiting the aerodynamic development and CFD time each team could use, with this decided on a sliding scale based on recent success, with those at the front granted less time than those towards the back.<\/p>\n<p>Last year, this meant that most teams in the midfield or lower, elected to shelve their 2025 machinery at the earliest moment, to maximise the opportunity of 2026.<\/p>\n<p>However, other than Red Bull slipping into the midfield, the top order has remained largely unchanged, something that Sainz claims shows the different levels within F1.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI think not only us, but every team that is not the top four teams this year has realised how far the midfield teams are from the top teams,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou need a regulation change to realise the process of how far you are from the top teams&#8217; organisation, and the processes that they have. Because the fact that a top team last year with less wind tunnel hours, with less time, with more development in 2025 investing in development, was able to produce cars a second quicker than any of the midfield cars, for me, it just shows that if you want to jump from the midfield to being a top team, the jump is much bigger than anyone could expect.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-ba4a2ec4ec532e5d6ae92dee81626192e2cdb2109445caef25c99bb6ec3b26c0\">  The biggest winners and losers from F1\u2019s surprise five-week break   Williams poach ex-Mercedes technical figure to aid F1 recovery <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIf you asked me last year at this time of the year, we\u2019re going to have more wind tunnel hours, we\u2019re going to have more time to develop, we\u2019re not going to invest in our \u201825 car, we\u2019re just going to prepare for \u201826, you\u2019d think we were going to be close to the top teams.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut the reality is the opposite. You are further away. This new regulation, if anything, it has shown all the midfield teams that we have a lot of work to do if we want to match the top teams.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Asked if he is already feeling the benefit of additional testing time compared to the likes of Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari, Sainz added: \u201cNo, not on that.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-753ef8351b7deaf9059582e1f356880652013cea0cc88b993767e70827ab8a3c\">  One of F1&#8217;s disappointing starters with &#8220;potential&#8221; urged to make &#8220;big step&#8221;   Why crucial F1 rules decisions won\u2019t be made in this week\u2019s meeting <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI think aero-wise, our car is a bit of a different concept to the top guys. We want to for sure have a look at what the top teams are doing. Last year, we saw, with no change of regulations, that our team is capable of producing good downforce.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur car last year had some serious downforce. That\u2019s why in Qatar last year, we were able to get a podium.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe car needed to be good around Qatar to produce a podium on merit. I\u2019m pretty sure, as soon as we find the right way on the development side, the team will be able to deliver good load.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think it\u2019s just for the start of the season, between the weight and the load, we haven\u2019t got things right. But I\u2019m hopeful that once we find the right way, we are able to start adding improvements.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p><strong>Sainz: F1 reg change highlights capability gap between midfield and top teams (Jap Thurs transcript)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Carlos Sainz believes the 2026 Formula 1 regulations have highlighted the magnitude of the gap between the top teams and those in the midfield, despite rules designed to close the pack.<\/p>\n<p>Ahead of the 2021 season, F1 introduced regulations limiting the aerodynamic development and CFD time each team could use, with this decided on a sliding scale based on recent success, with those at the front granted less time than those towards the back.<\/p>\n<p>Last year, this meant that most teams in the midfield or lower, elected to shelve their 2025 machinery at the earliest moment, to maximise the opportunity of 2026.<\/p>\n<p>However, other than Red Bull slipping into the midfield, the top order has remained largely unchanged, something that Sainz claims shows the different levels within F1.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI think not only us, but every team that is not the top four teams this year has realised how far the midfield teams are from the top teams,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou need a regulation change to realise the process of how far you are from the top teams&#8217; organisation, and the processes that they have. Because the fact that a top team last year with less wind tunnel hours, with less time, with more development in 2025 investing in development, was able to produce cars a second quicker than any of the midfield cars, for me, it just shows that if you want to jump from the midfield to being a top team, the jump is much bigger than anyone could expect.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-ba4a2ec4ec532e5d6ae92dee81626192e2cdb2109445caef25c99bb6ec3b26c0\">  The biggest winners and losers from F1\u2019s surprise five-week break   Williams poach ex-Mercedes technical figure to aid F1 recovery <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIf you asked me last year at this time of the year, we\u2019re going to have more wind tunnel hours, we\u2019re going to have more time to develop, we\u2019re not going to invest in our \u201825 car, we\u2019re just going to prepare for \u201826, you\u2019d think we were going to be close to the top teams.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut the reality is the opposite. You are further away. This new regulation, if anything, it has shown all the midfield teams that we have a lot of work to do if we want to match the top teams.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Asked if he is already feeling the benefit of additional testing time compared to the likes of Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari, Sainz added: \u201cNo, not on that.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-753ef8351b7deaf9059582e1f356880652013cea0cc88b993767e70827ab8a3c\">  One of F1&#8217;s disappointing starters with &#8220;potential&#8221; urged to make &#8220;big step&#8221;   Why crucial F1 rules decisions won\u2019t be made in this week\u2019s meeting <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI think aero-wise, our car is a bit of a different concept to the top guys. We want to for sure have a look at what the top teams are doing. Last year, we saw, with no change of regulations, that our team is capable of producing good downforce.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur car last year had some serious downforce. That\u2019s why in Qatar last year, we were able to get a podium.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe car needed to be good around Qatar to produce a podium on merit. I\u2019m pretty sure, as soon as we find the right way on the development side, the team will be able to deliver good load.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think it\u2019s just for the start of the season, between the weight and the load, we haven\u2019t got things right. But I\u2019m hopeful that once we find the right way, we are able to start adding improvements.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1092981\/1\/how-f1s-regulation-change-highlights-gap-between-haves-and-have-nots&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/2268868295.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] How F1&#8217;s regulation change highlights the gap between the haves and the have-nots The Formula 1 order has largely remained stable across the regulation change, despite some teams spending significantly more development time on 2026 than others. Sam Hall 13 Apr 2026 Share The start of the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix Add [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1881783","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1881783","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1881783"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1881783\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1881783"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1881783"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1881783"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}