Leclerc Criticizes New F1 Rules After Qualifying in Suzuka
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc expressed his frustration with the new Formula 1 regulations after a mistake in the Japanese Grand Prix qualifying that affected the deployment of energy from his power unit, costing him a better result.
Leclerc, who qualified fourth in Suzuka, more than 0.6 seconds behind Kimi Antonelli’s (Mercedes) pole position, was the fastest in the first sector of Q3.
A slip on the exit of the Spoon curve seems to have cost him time, but it was the loss in energy deployment on the following straight that proved most damaging, according to the driver.
“Honestly, I can’t stand these rules in qualifying,” Leclerc said over the team radio upon returning to the pits after his lap. “It’s a bloody joke.”
Charles Leclerc
Charles Leclerc criticized the new qualifying rules after finishing fourth in Suzuka on Saturday.Comparing Leclerc’s fastest lap in Q2 with his fastest lap in Q3, an apparent decrease in energy deployment on the straight after the slide cost him 0.148 seconds.
The new rules for this season require that almost half of the unit’s maximum power come from its battery, which means that the cars can lose power when the electrical energy runs out or the deployment strategy is interrupted by a slight lift of the accelerator.
Leclerc stated that the slide at the exit of Spoon curve did not worry him at that moment, but admitted that he was frustrated by the subsequent loss of deployment on the straight towards the final chicane.
Leclerc also commented that the new rules no longer reward risk-taking, but rather emphasize consistency lap after lap.
“I feel that, for the moment, consistency is yielding more results than being brave and trying something you’ve never tried, which is a shame and makes the ranking a little less challenging.”Leclerc will line up alongside Oscar Piastri (third) on Sunday.Leclerc concluded by saying that it is a known problem and that he hopes a solution will be found as soon as possible.
