Carlos Sainz has warned Formula 1's midfield drivers risk getting "bored" without "immediate change".
The Spaniard made the claim as he spoke of the current lack of competitiveness in the sport with three teams dominating and the rest left to fight for 'best of the rest'.
Sainz also noted how some midfield drivers have moved on from F1 and enjoyed success elsewhere.
“You see fellow drivers like Marcus [Ericsson] going to different series and immediately being on the pace, and potentially winning races or being on the podium - then you see yourself in Formula 1 and you’re stuck in P7…” the McLaren driver said of their predicament to Crash.net.
“It’s something I haven’t got bored of, as it’s only my fifth season, but you think about [Sergio] Perez, [Nico] Hulkenberg, they’ve been here for many races, and it’s something I struggle to feel is sustainable.
“It needs immediate change, and it needs immediate refining in Formula 1 to change that trend. It’s not something that as racing drivers in the midfield are going to be waiting here forever just finishing P7 in every race.
“I think it’s definitely something that needs to be addressed and hopefully 2021 they will make it happen.”
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As the talks for 2021 continue, it does appear the manufacturers are winning concessions for a watered down version of the original rule changes initially proposed.
But Sainz thinks F1 should take a lease from MotoGP, where the governing body took a strong stance.
“I know [CEO] Carmelo Ezpeleta in MotoGP very well, I’ve spoken to him many times about what he’s done and how the manufacturers reacted to them tightening the rules with the ECU, etc,” he revealed.
“I think the main feedback is they were firstly sceptical obviously, but now they are happier than ever as they are fighting against more people. It makes the brand stronger, as they’re fighting against more brands, so Honda and [Marc] Marquez are even happier.
“It’s a very good example and it’s something that I would like to see in the future in Formula 1.
“I think Formula 1 is a different species, definitely, but I hope in the future we converse towards something a bit more driver-dependent and not machine-dependent.”
