Sainz urges return to ‘animal instinct’ in qualifying amid new energy rules

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz says the new energy‑harvesting regulations have turned qualifying laps into a balancing act, forcing drivers to temper pure speed with battery management. He argues the sport needs to let drivers trust their "animal instinct" again, especially in the decisive Q2 and Q3 sessions.

Why it matters:

• Qualifying determines the grid and can swing the championship; a system that penalises instinctual over‑clipping may advantage teams that master the software.
• Drivers who feel restrained risk losing confidence, potentially leading to more conservative race starts and a less exciting spectacle.
• Teams that crack the driver‑system integration early could gain a strategic edge throughout the season.

The details:

• New rules require cars to harvest kinetic energy during the lap, meaning drivers must avoid flat‑out runs at the end of straights to preserve battery charge for the next straight.
• On‑board computers now calculate the "theoretical best" energy deployment, but sudden oversteer—like Charles Leclerc experienced in qualifying—can confuse the system and trigger a loss of power.
• Sainz estimates he and his engineers have reached a 90‑95 % understanding of the new parameters, yet unexpected system reactions still pop up.
• He describes the challenge as a "tightrope" between discipline and instinct: push flat‑out, but not enough to upset the energy‑management algorithm.
• The frustration is palpable; Sainz admits he feels "gutted" after a lap that, in his mind, could have been faster if the system had been more forgiving.

What's next:

• The FIA, F1 management and the teams will meet during the April break to discuss possible tweaks to the energy‑deployment software.
• Ferrari and other manufacturers are already fine‑tuning driver‑feedback loops to make the system more intuitive under extreme cornering loads.
• Fans should watch the next qualifying weekend for signs of a new balance—whether drivers can once again let their "animal instinct" lead the lap.