Several Formula E drivers opted to purposefully qualify towards the back in Berlin on old tyres and save a set of fresh rubber for the race, creating much debate.
Reigning Formula E world champion Oliver Rowland and Pascal Wehrlein both expressed concern over the extreme nature of qualifying in Berlin, with some drivers strategically opting not to push during the session.
The emphasis on energy saving in the second race of the double-header in Berlin led to drivers qualifying toward the back and running on old tires, preserving a fresh set for the race.
Rowland qualified 18th, one position behind eventual race winner Mitch Evans, who followed a similar qualifying strategy.
The controversial decision to prioritize energy saving during qualifying has sparked debate in the Formula E paddock ahead of the Monaco E-Prix this weekend.
Rowland and Wehrlein have both criticized the unnatural style of qualifying that emerged in Berlin, with Rowland drawing parallels to similar strategies seen in Formula 1.
While some teams, like Jaguar and Nissan, considered saving fresh tires by qualifying at the back in Berlin, Rowland explained that the decision depended on the risk and potential reward for each driver’s grid position.
