Lewis Hamilton has ignited fresh controversy by urging the FIA to review the Mercedes power unit set to be used by Carlos Sainz in 2026. After testing, Hamilton warned of rumored fuel and power advantages, claiming current cars feel “slower than GP2” and calling for equal enforcement.
Lewis Hamilton is unhappy that Carlos Sainz has taken his seat at Ferrari and has demanded that the Mercedes engine to be used by the Madrid-born driver in 2026 be slowed down.
After the first day of testing, in which he participated during the morning session, Hamilton made his feelings clear to Sky Sports F1, arguing that Mercedes' trick must be eliminated as soon as possible: "There are rumors about the fuel level they use and the extra power they get, something the rest of us don't have.
"I trust that the FIA will intervene to ensure that we all compete on a level playing field. I mean, right now we're slower than a GP2 car. This is because we have very little downforce. I'm not sure if it's even slower than my 2006 GP2 car, but from what I've heard, we're below GP2 standards.
“It's comparable to having the same downforce as at Monza, but in every corner. The tires constantly lose grip, which doesn't feel good at all. In some corners it improves, although the wind brings different nuances, sometimes head-on and sometimes from behind,” he said.
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How many years did Carlos Sainz sign with Williams?
On Monday, it was finally announced that Sainz will continue his Formula 1 career with Williams. For a long time, Audi seemed to be in pole position, but Sainz himself did not seem to see any benefit in that.
Red Bull and Mercedes also seemed to be looking at the Spaniard for a moment, and Alpine also praised Sainz's achievements. In the end, it was Williams, and Sainz said he thought about it for a long time.
In a press release, the British team released details of Carlos Sainz's contract: "Williams Racing has today announced that Carlos Sainz will complete the team's driver lineup for the 2025 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season and beyond.
"With a decade of F1 competition behind him, Sainz will join Williams from Scuderia Ferrari on a two-year contract with options to extend.
“Carlos will race alongside Alex Albon for Williams Racing in 2025 and into the new era of F1 regulations, as the formidable pair look to lead the team's mission to return to the front of the grid. He will continue to race with the number 55,” they commented.
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