Williams driver Carlos Sainz has openly expressed that the politics within Formula 1 is the aspect he finds most frustrating about the championship. The Spanish racer joined Williams in 2025 after being unexpectedly replaced at Ferrari by seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton.
The sudden change surprised Sainz, leading him to engage in negotiations with various teams before ultimately signing with Williams. This transition prompted him to reflect on the political nature of the sport during a recent appearance on the High Performance podcast.
The Complex Role of Politics Beyond Performance in F1
Sainz remarked on the unique level of politics embedded in Formula 1, emphasizing that it surpasses even other high-profile sports.
“I don’t think there’s any other sport that is as political as F1,”
he stated. Expanding on this, he pointed out,
“You know, football can be political, but nowhere near as Formula 1. Formula 1 – there’s, for some reason, a level of politics that I don’t understand. It’s the one thing of the sport that I hate.”
He elaborated that decisions within a team are often not based solely on who makes the most sense for the two driving seats in terms of on-track performance. Instead, other influences can come into play, including factors like sponsorship and financial backing, which can make one driver more appealing than another.
Sainz explained,
“Performance brings you 80% of the cake. But there’s another 20% maybe that it’s not only performance and speed.”
He continued,
“Or let’s say, if I am equally as quick as some other driver, that 20% is what makes the difference to be chosen over the other driver. And I feel like this is only happening in Formula 1.”
Enduring Passion for the Sport Despite Its Imperfections
Although frustrated by the political side of Formula 1, Sainz remains committed to the sport he loves. He acknowledged that no sport is perfect and accepted these flaws as part of the environment in which he has chosen to build his career.
“It’s the sport that I love and no one’s perfect. This sport is not perfect in so many ways, but it’s my life and it’s where I want to be my next years,”
he said.
He shared a philosophy that helps him deal with the challenges F1 politics presents, stating,
“And you just—one of my favourite phrases—get on with it. Just get on with it. Who cares? Just get on with it. Don’t dwell too much on it. Don’t get depressed by it. Just get on with it. And [move onto] the next thing or the next target.”
Implications for Drivers and the Future of Formula 1
Carlos Sainz’s candid observations shed light on the significant influence politics holds in Formula 1, affecting team decisions beyond driver talent and performance. His experience underscores the complex dynamics that drivers face, where securing a seat often involves navigating factors unrelated to speed alone.
As Sainz continues his career with Williams, his reflections may resonate with other drivers confronting similar challenges. The sport’s political realities could remain a defining feature, influencing team lineups and the overall competitive landscape in upcoming seasons.
