Carlos Sainz has spoken out against the shift in F1 qualifying laps and the loss of “animal instinct.”
Carlos Sainz wants to go back to the intense, “animal instinct” style of F1 qualifying laps due to the disruptive impact the new rules have on the process. Qualifying laps are no longer completely flat-out, as drivers must manage energy consumption through strategic braking at the ends of straights. Discussions are planned between the FIA, F1, and teams during the April break to address this issue, as the current system relies heavily on computer precision for energy deployment. Sainz, acknowledging the challenges, emphasizes the delicate balance required in modern qualifying, where unexpected factors can throw off the system, as seen with Charles Leclerc. Despite the learning curve, Sainz expresses confidence in his and his team’s progress in adapting to the new rules while still tapping into that crucial “animal instinct” for peak performance during key moments in qualification rounds.
