Sainz predicts more 'yo-yo' racing despite FIA tweak
A late FIA rule change was meant to calm Silverstone's energy games. Carlos Sainz says don't count on it - the 'yo-yo' racing is coming back regardless.
Carlos Sainz expects Formula 1's controversial 2026 regulations to produce more "yo-yo" racing at Silverstone despite the FIA making another late adjustment to the energy rules.
Drivers including Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso and Charles Leclerc have all complained this week that the current regulations have robbed classic circuits such as Silverstone of much of their challenge and thrill.
Sainz believes the British GP could nevertheless be entertaining.
"It will probably be one of the most entertaining circuits, in my opinion, but for the wrong reasons," he said.
"It's because we're so short on energy and we'll have to play the 'I'll use up my energy here, but then you overtake me again' game.
"I think this weekend you'll see a bit of 'yo-yo' racing again, which is pretty much what it is."
According to Auto Motor und Sport, the FIA responded to growing concerns by making another late change to Silverstone's energy management rules.
After already reducing energy recovery limits before Miami, the governing body has now lowered the qualifying charging limit again for Silverstone, from 7.5 to 6.5 megajoules, in an effort to reduce excessive lift-and-coast driving and 'superclipping'.
However, the German publication said the changes are unlikely to alter laptimes significantly and amount to little more than "a drop in the ocean".
Related: Sainz wants automatic grid penalty for qualifying yellows
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This was evident in the sprint.
After already reducing energy recovery limits before Miami, the governing body has now lowered the qualifying charging limit again for Silverstone, from 7.5 to 6.5 megajoules, in an effort to reduce excessive lift-and-coast driving and 'superclipping'.
Of course all this couldnt have been known before the season started, I mean who knew...! 58/42 and then wowww 60/40 but its a brilliant system said the Fia, we are never wrong about the regs lol
The Miami GP actually didn't have lower limits in the end & if only FIA were willing to have 6.5 or 7 for a race session.
That would mean the Fia are actually listening to drivers wouldnt it, i notice this new lower limit wasnt made a big thing of in the media/sky yesterday or today, I wonder why lol
lets make it easy, 6.5 or lower till the end of the season, there ive solved it