Lawson says rule tweaks will bring back the thrill of all‑out qualifying

Liam Lawson believes the recent tweaks to the 2024 power‑unit rules will restore the pure, all‑out qualifying laps that fans love. After the first three races forced drivers into lift‑and‑coast and reduced‑clipping strategies to save energy, the FIA has lowered the harvest limit to 7 MJ and lifted the super‑clipping cap to the full 350 kW. Lawson says this should bring the “attraction” back to qualifying.

Why it matters:

• Qualifying showcases speed and driver skill; energy‑saving tactics mute the spectacle and risk fan disengagement.
• A return to full‑throttle laps can boost TV ratings and sponsor interest, preserving F1’s image as the sport’s ultimate speed test.

The details:

• Energy harvest per lap is cut from 8 MJ to 7 MJ, reducing the amount stored in the ERS.
• Super‑clipping is now allowed up to the full 350 kW, restoring the maximum battery‑boost power.
• The changes aim to curb lift‑and‑coast in qualifying while keeping overall race‑fuel limits intact; teams will first test them at the Miami GP.

What's next:

Teams will evaluate the new limits during the Miami Grand Prix weekend. If flat‑out laps return, the FIA may keep the rules for the rest of the season, and drivers like Lawson expect the grid to feel the revived excitement.